Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett said it is irresponsible for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to denounce her for delaying the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to include mental illness for one year. .“All of the assessors and providers for MAiD are purposely trained to eliminate people that are suicidal,” said Bennett in a Thursday video. .“And so this is for.” .The video starts off with Poilievre saying more Canadians are suffering from depression after eight years of growing poverty. .“Some of them are going to food banks asking for help ending their lives not because they’re sick, but because life has become so miserable and they want to end their lives altogether,” said Poilievre. .Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in December it is heartbreaking people are going to food banks and asking about MAiD because of inflation. .READ MORE: WATCH: Trudeau says it is tragic people contemplate suicide because of high inflation.“It deepens my resolve to be there for people,” said Trudeau. .The video mocks Trudeau by flashing to a story about him taking a vacation to Jamaica with his family during Christmas. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion plays in the background on a screechy recorder. .Poilievre said the Canadian government has “suggested veterans should end their lives instead of getting help that they need.” .“Will they recognize that we need to treat depression and give people hope for a better life rather than ending their lives?’ he said. .Poilievre confirmed to Baptist House pastor-teacher David Cooke in September he is opposed to allowing more groups to access MAiD. .READ MORE: Poilievre decries expanding assistance suicide to minors, mentally ill people.“I do not support expanding physician assisted suicide to minors or people who are unable to truly consent,” he said. .“Nor do I accept assisted suicide as a solution for mental illness.”
