Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I commented on communication that I received from the Fort Smith Society for Disabled Persons regarding the issue of mercy killing. I know, Mr. Speaker, that many would state that this is a moral issue. However, regardless of each individual's own feelings and beliefs, it is something we should have discussions on at the territorial level. I would like to ask the Minister of Health if she can indicate this government's current stand regarding decisions not to prolong life through extended medical treatment and regarding physician-assisted suicides as it pertains to severely disabled people in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
In the Legislative Assembly on April 5th, 1995. See this topic in context.
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 831
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 831
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.
Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 831
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge, there has not been a request for the government's position on assisted suicides. To my knowledge, we don't have a stated position as a government, in terms of providing medication. This is generally the deliberation between the doctor and the individual. We have not taken any position on assisted suicides. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 831
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the government hasn't taken any stand, Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the Bourque commission report, Working Towards a Common Future, included a recommendation that would see a right to refuse life-prolonging medical treatment for individuals and their minor children and recognizing that the Rodriguez case and the Latimer trial have been brought to the attention of people and the governments across Canada, has the Minister of Health and Social Services given any consideration to engage in a dialogue with regard to this topic with the medical community advocacy groups and agencies that help the disabled people of the NWT? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Ms. Cournoyea.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
April 4th, 1995
Page 832
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, at this time, the dialogue that has taken place has been with the Ministers of Health across the country and with some of the coordinated working groups across the country on what would be the best approach in dealing with this very critical, sensitive issue. We have not, at this time, had a request from any group, whether it is the Council for Disabled Persons or other groups, that this was a topic they wished to discuss. There has not been any indication that this is a topic that people felt that they would want brought into a workshop or a seminar at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the Minister aware whether the NWT Medical Association, the NWT Registered Nurses' Association and the Public Health Association of the NWT, have taken any type of formal position on the termination of life support and the issue of physician-assisted suicide? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Ms. Cournoyea.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge I am not aware that there has been any position take by these various professional groups that the Member is referring to.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Final supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Because of it being such a difficult topic to discuss, that is why the issue was not brought forth. Will the Minister ensure that any discussion of these issues, in the event that they do come up, will involve a wide range of community organizations and advocacy groups, including those societies that speak out on behalf of disabled people of the Northwest Territories? Thank you.
Supplementary To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Ms. Cournoyea.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
Nellie Cournoyea Nunakput
Mr. Speaker, I believe that there can be no question that it would have to be a very broad-based discussion. I will certainly make a commitment that if any momentum does take place in this regard, that it does take in consideration of a broad base of people who will be involved in those discussions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Further Return To Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Question 404-12(7): GNWT Position On Euthanasia
Item 6: Oral Questions
Page 832
The Speaker Samuel Gargan
Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Koe.