The Cardus Institute said Attorney General David Lametti’s remarks about people having medical assistance in dying (MAiD) are dehumanizing to those seeking it and healthcare workers causing it. .“Minister Lametti’s comments on doctor-assisted suicide raise many questions that deserve full and complete answers,” said Cardus Institute Executive Vice-President Ray Pennings in a Thursday statement. .“He must clarify his remarks for the sake of all Canadians, especially the vulnerable among us.” .Lametti said on Toronto Star podcast It’s Political on November 18 MAiD “provides a more humane way” for Canadians who are physically or mentally incapable of ending their own lives to do it. When asked if the state had a role in facilitating suicide, he said since some people have a right to do it, the Canadian government cannot say to others they are unable to. .While Lametti acknowledges it's tough to lose a loved one to suicide, Pennings said he fails to recognize all suicides as tragedies or as evidence society has failed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people. He said with the Canadian government reporting more than 10 people per day dying by suicide, the attorney general’s comments about more humane options are “shocking and unbecoming of a person in his position.” .The statement said by accepting the state has a role in facilitating suicide, he suggests it's a form of medical care. It asked how does he see suicide fitting into the primary objective of healthcare policy set out in the Canada Health Act, which is to protect, promote, and restore people's physical and mental health. .“This primary objective would appear to recognize the dignity of the person at any and all stages of life; doctor-assisted suicide does not meet this objective,” said Pennings. .An Ontario disabled man said Monday he is following through with MAiD because he no longer wants to struggle to survive on the little money he has left. .READ MORE: Ontario disabled man to have assisted suicide to escape poverty.“I cannot go on living this way,” said the man who goes by the alias Disabled Ontarian. .“#maid is the only help offered.”.People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier said November 17 he wants to put more restrictions on Canada's MAiD laws, including preventing doctors from recommending suicide to their patients..READ MORE: 'A culture of death' Bernier wants more restrictions on Canada's medically-assisted dying laws."Right now in our country, there's a culture of death, instead of promoting life,” said Bernier. .Canada's MAiD law will be expanded to include people suffering from mental illnesses in March.
