Bill S-225 explained in plain English

During this Senate sitting on December 4, 2014, senators observed a moment of silence for the victims of the l'École Polytechnique tragedy. Several senators spoke about the 25th anniversary of the tragedy and the ongoing issue of violence against women. The sitting also included discussions on Canada's response to the Ebola outbreak, updates on francophone initiatives in Manitoba, and the tabling and presentation of various committee reports and bills. Notably, Bill S-225, concerning physician-assisted death, was introduced for second reading and debate was adjourned. The sitting addressed numerous other legislative items and motions.

This artifact is a record of a speech given by Senator Nancy Ruth during the second reading debate of Bill S-225 in the Senate. The bill, titled 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (physician-assisted death),' proposes to allow physician-assisted death (PAD) in Canada. Senator Ruth stated that 84% of Canadians support the right to physician-assisted death and that the current laws cause unnecessary suffering. She argued that the bill, which she has carefully crafted, would provide a legal framework and options for Canadians considering PAD, similar to practices in other countries. She highlighted safeguards in the bill, including requirements for the patient to be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, diagnosed with a qualifying illness or disability causing intolerable suffering, and for the request to be voluntary. The bill also requires two physicians to examine the patient, provides information on alternatives like palliative care, includes a 14-day waiting period, and requires documentation and reporting. Senator Ruth also addressed concerns about psychological suffering being included, the comparison to capital punishment, and the spiritual perspective on end-of-life choices.

This document details a sitting of the Senate on December 10, 2014. The sitting included tributes to the late Wilfred "Wilf" Arthur Charles Carter and William "Bill" George Brewster, the tabling of several annual reports, and debates on various topics including economic diversification, overseas detention facilities, and First Nations education. The debate on Bill S-225, concerning physician-assisted death, was continued. The Senate also adopted the fourteenth report of the National Finance Committee regarding the subject matter of certain parts of Bill C-43, and passed Bill C-45 at third reading. Additionally, there was a discussion on Bill C-520, an act to support non-partisan offices of agents of Parliament, and a continued debate on a motion to authorize a committee to study trade between Canada and the United States. The Senate also received a message from the House of Commons concerning Bill S-211 and introduced Bill C-43.

This document is a record of a Senate debate on December 10, 2014. While Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (physician-assisted death), was listed on the agenda for second reading debate, the provided text does not contain the debate specifically on that bill. Instead, the text records speeches honouring deceased individuals (Wilfred "Wilf" Arthur Charles Carter and William "Bill" George Brewster), discussions on food banks, tabled reports on various agreements, a debate on economic diversification and oil dependency, a discussion on overseas detention facilities, the third reading of an appropriation bill (Bill C-45), the adoption of a report on the subject matter of a budget implementation bill (Bill C-43), and continued debates on a bill supporting non-partisan offices of agents of Parliament and on an inquiry about disparities in First Nations education and lighthouses as maritime heritage. The section titled "Bill to Amend—Second Reading—Debate Continued" is the only part directly related to Bill S-225, but the actual debate text for it is missing and replaced with a placeholder "(On motion of Senator Verner, debate adjourned.)". The text does not describe the proceedings of the second reading of Bill S-225.

This Senate sitting on February 18, 2015, included debate on several items. The main focus of the provided text is the debate on a motion to integrate parliamentary security under the leadership of the RCMP and a second reading debate on Bill S-225, concerning physician-assisted death. Other proceedings included the presentation of a committee report on agriculture, first reading of a bill concerning marine mammal regulations, a Speaker's ruling on a point of order regarding the security motion, and debates on bills related to First Nations housing and a single point of contact for death notifications. The debate on Bill S-225 discussed the principle of physician-assisted death as part of end-of-life care, referencing Quebec's Bill 52 and a Supreme Court ruling.

This record details a Senate sitting on March 24, 2015. While the primary purpose of the sitting was to debate Bill S-225, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code (physician-assisted death)" at its second reading, the sitting also included various procedural matters, committee reports, and discussions on other topics. The debate on Bill S-225 involved expressions of concern regarding the bill's provisions, safeguards, and potential interpretations, drawing comparisons to other jurisdictions. The sitting also included procedural actions such as presenting committee reports, tabling documents, and motions regarding the business of the Senate and committee meetings. Additionally, several senators rose to offer congratulations and mark observances, including World Down Syndrome Day.

On April 23, 2015, the Senate met for a debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (physician-assisted death). During this sitting, Senators Don Meredith and Diane Bellemare spoke about the bill. Senator Meredith expressed concerns about the bill, citing religious beliefs and potential risks to vulnerable populations, and stated he would not support it moving forward. Senator Bellemare spoke in support of the bill, referencing public opinion, Quebec's legislation, and the Supreme Court's request for legislative change, and indicated her support for its principle. The debate was adjourned, and the bill has not yet completed its second reading stage. The sitting also included other procedural matters and debates on different bills and reports.

On May 7, 2015, the Senate met and engaged in various discussions and procedural matters. The debate on Bill S-225, concerning physician-assisted death, was continued, with Senator Denise Batters expressing significant concerns about the bill's inclusion of psychological suffering as a criterion and questioning its safeguards. The Senate also heard updates on other matters, including lapsed funding for programs, financial institution regulations, and the declining population of Atlantic salmon. Several reports were tabled, and visitors were welcomed.

This record details a sitting of the Senate on June 2, 2015. The sitting included discussions on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, tributes to former Quebec Premier Jacques Parizeau and Justice Minister Peter MacKay, and the recognition of diplomatic relations with Ethiopia. Several reports were tabled, including those related to parliamentary privilege and amendments to the Canada Elections Act. Notices of motions were given concerning committees meeting during adjournments. A significant portion of the debate focused on Bill C-51, the Anti-terrorism Act, with senators expressing concerns about the balance between security measures and civil liberties, and debating proposed amendments to the bill. Another debate continued on Bill S-225, concerning physician-assisted death, exploring ethical, legal, and palliative care considerations. There was also a debate on a motion calling for an audit of House of Commons expenses and extended inquiries into the role and powers of the Auditor General of Canada.