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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-248

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 08, 2023
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)
  • Bill S-248 is a proposed amendment to Canada's Criminal Code that would change the rules around medical assistance in dying for people who have a serious, incurable illness, disease, or disability. If the bill becomes law, individuals whose deaths are not expected in the near future would be able to arrange to receive medical assistance in dying on a specific day if they become unable to give final consent before then. Additionally, people with a serious condition could provide a written declaration waiving the requirement for final consent if they lose the capacity to give it and are experiencing agreed-upon symptoms. The bill adds safeguards to protect patients and ensure that any decision to request medical assistance in dying is their own and made voluntarily.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The amendment to the Criminal Code proposed in Bill S-248 provides important rights to Canadians with serious and incurable illnesses, diseases or disabilities, who want to ensure their end-of-life care aligns with their personal values and beliefs. By allowing individuals to enter into written arrangements or declarations when they have capacity to consent to medical assistance in dying, they can have peace of mind and ensure that their wishes will be respected even if they lose the capacity to provide final consent. Providing medical assistance in dying under these circumstances can be a compassionate choice, reducing suffering and allowing Canadians to maintain autonomy and control over their own bodies. This amendment balances safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, while respecting the dignity and autonomy of those seeking end-of-life care.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One potential argument against Bill S-248 is that it undermines the value of human life and the importance of seeking proper medical care and treatment. By allowing individuals to waive final consent or arrange for medical assistance in dying on a specified day, the bill sends a message that death is a preferable option to managing and treating a serious and incurable illness or disability. Furthermore, it could create pressure on individuals to make such arrangements or declarations, especially if they are experiencing emotional distress or a lack of support in managing their medical condition. In essence, the bill may lead to premature and unnecessary deaths, rather than prioritizing compassionate care and support for individuals facing difficult medical circumstances.
Senate Third Reading
  • June 8, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate First Reading
  • Nov. 24, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • Passed