blackbird

I never said anything about that. You are inventing things to try to justify yourself. Anybody who is morally bankrupt should not be allowed to be on the Supreme Court or be a politician or be in any position of authority. Anybody who is morally bankrupt should never be allowed to vote. That has nothing to do with race or gender. If it were possible I would not allow evil people to have any position of power or vote. But in the kind of system we have, we can't stop them. The system is corrupt and evil.

Another serious danger of the MAID program has been revealed recently by an employee in the Department of Veterans Affairs who brought up the subject of medical assistance in dying to a Veteran with PTSD. Who would have dreamed that the MAID program would go that far even before it has legally been expanded to include people with mental illness? Having care workers in long term care, or hospital workers, or doctors, or anyone else who is responsible for caring or in contact with patients bring up the subject is totally irresponsible and wrong.

Western countries have far superior laws to much of the rest of the world. In Russia for example, the government can hunt down people they consider traitors and execute them like did to one man who was killed in England. Saudi Arabia put a woman in prison recently for 34 years for criticizing the government on social media. Some countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan execute people for blasphemy. There are many examples of the superiority of western laws compared with other countries. Mercy killing (MAID) is a tragic mistake and is legal in only three other countries. Almost the whole world does not have such laws. Canada is out of step with almost the whole world on this even though we have many other laws that are better than the rest of the world. Trudeau and liberals and the Supreme Court have gone far off the track. They have no moral compass. Trudeau's appointments are purely political and not based on qualifications. Trudeau just appointed a woman because she is an aboriginal to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land even though she has very limited experience and is not really qualified. An expert on Supreme Court qualifications just pointed this out correctly. Trudeau also appointed the Governor General simply because she is aboriginal, although that is not as critical as a SCC appointment because the GG role is very limited and mostly ceremonial. The Supreme Court also makes rulings simply based on what is popular at the time. That is not what a Supreme Court is for. They are supposed to be extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the laws and Constitution and their rulings should reflect that. Back in the 1990s they stated that medical assistance in dying in the way it is now would be unacceptable. Twenty years later they made the opposite decision and promoted MAID. They have zero credibility. The Supreme Court is obsessed with promoting what they think are individual rights. We have seen this before in their rulings re convicted murderers and terrorists. But I suspect all this is beyond your comprehension. You only look at it from a very narrow perspective.

Governments down through history have often legislated based on Judeo-Christian principles as stated in the Bible. That is why western society is quite different than many other parts of the world. That is why we have laws against murder, stealing, etc. and why we can own private property and have human rights. Government authorities are given authority by God to rule and legislate whether you believe in God or not. That is a fact. "1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. {ordained: or, ordered} 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. " Romans 13:1-2 KJV It is pretty clear there. Those who resist God shall receive to themselves damnation. There is forgiveness for those who repent (turn from their wicked ways and accept God's offer of salvation through his Son). There is such a thing as evil in the world and good. Good and evil may be observed all around the world daily. You don't like the idea of God; well, God is fact. The universe did not create itself out of nothing. Many scientists and cosmologists are admitting that. They have no explanation for where the universe came from apart from an infinitely intelligent designer-Creator, a supernatural being apart from the material universe. That is the only rational explanation for the existence of everything. So you can dispense with your notion that religious beliefs don't count. They are more relevant and meaningful than your atheistic irrational beliefs that disrespect human life. You don't believe anyone is accountable to God and that everyone can choose to kill themselves or have themselves killed without consequences. You are fooling yourself. Everyone is accountable to our Creator. He did not create the universe for nothing and he did not create mankind to give them a free-for-all.

Well said. I get comfort always, not just on a deathbed. God gives comfort to his people always. It is a free gift available to everyone if they so choose. It is not just a emotional or belief thing. It is a reality. "4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 KJV It is available to you too but you would have to study the Bible to find out about it, particularly the New Testament and make a decision. If you became a believer, that would be a wonderful thing you could add to your duties by sharing that spiritual truth. I would add I would not be able to have anything to do with MAID or support it in any way because it is basically evil.

The only end of life doula I want is Jesus Christ. He has said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.

The fact that medical-assistance in dying legislation was immoral from the beginning and completely contrary to God's commandment "thou shalt not kill" is also born out by the fact that is has now been proven that even in the minds of it's supporters, it has gone too far and is used for everything imaginable. FIRST READING: How Canada ignored warnings that euthanasia would immediately go too far FIRST READING: How Canada ignored warnings that euthanasia would immediately go too far (msn.com) The fact that more than 75% of Canadians approve of some kind of MAID law proves that Canada is a very heathen and uncivilized nation. The landscape of Canada is beautiful but the fact that it is inhabited to large extent by people who consider themselves as civilized and enlightened, but most really are not. Most are in total darkness. You wonder why we have so many problems, crime, family breakups, divorce, murders, domestic violence, homelessness, there is the reason. Canada is not alone in the world in this. The whole world is actually a mess. I know some people might not like to hear this. They prefer to look at the world or their country through rose-coloured glasses. But that is not the reality. The Supreme Court, which is supposed to be a beacon of light, really pushed this MAID thing and pressured the government into it. They are probably simply following whatever is the popular idea and the majority support MAID; so the Supreme Court supports it and the government supports it. Now we are the slippery slope where it is going to be much worse in the numbers of people killed by it. I probably don't have many years left because of my condition, but I am thankful for God's grace and mercy in granting salvation. I feel for those left behind in this world. All I can say is read the Bible, especially the New Testament and believe in Jesus Christ.

Reportedly Vancouver Island has the highest percentage of doctor-assisted deaths per capita in the country. This is a tragic thing for the island to be known for. Likely because of the higher number of seniors or retirees who moved to the island to retire. They think they are choosing the easy way out. Badly and sadly deceived. We are not an island unto ourselves. We are all accountable to our Creator who made us in his image and for his glory. As a book says, we are not here by nothing or for nothing. Humans are not to be treated as animals.

Only God can give life and take life away. Man playing God is a sure road to hell. Believe me hell is a real place and judging by the way things are in the world, it will be a crowded place. Did you ever hear the saying "the road to hell is paved with good intentions?" Well there is a lot of truth in that saying.

When you read what is going on with the Parliamentary MAID committee, which is dominated by liberals and progressives, you will understand how futile and hopeless a submission would be.

This article explains the reasons why Christians (Bible believers) oppose medical assistance in dying. quote What is the sanctity of life? Why do Christians believe in the sanctity of life? Sanctity means the quality of being holy, sacred, or set apart. Believing in the sanctity of life means believing that human life is somehow holy, set apart, or different from other life forms. The question is "Why do Christians believe that human life is set apart?" First, Christians believe human life is sacred because humankind is the only life form to have been created in God's image, after His likeness, and God is holy (Genesis 1:27). We are also told that God literally breathed life into man, something He did not do with other life forms (Genesis 2:7). Something in the way God created humans reflects His attributes. In other words, we bear God's image. So anything that harms or mars a human life also therefore mars that reflection of God Himself. Therefore Christians approach human life with a sense of reverence for the Creator who is reflected in that life. Another reason Christians have reverence for human life is because we believe all human life is owned by God. In Exodus 19:5 God declares that "all earth is mine" and by extension, every human life on the earth belongs to Him as well. First Corinthians 6:19–20 goes so far as to say, of believers, "…You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Deuteronomy 32:39 teaches that God not only owns each life, but that He is responsible for the life and death of each person as well. It says, "'See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." Psalm 139:16 shows that the days of each person's life were written in God's book before any of them came to be. Christians believe that human lives belong to God and only He is in charge of the giving and taking of that life. unquote For the whole article: What is the sanctity of life? Why do Christians believe in the sanctity of life? (compellingtruth.org) While it is understandable to a degree why some would think people suffering in pain would choose MAID, we still can't agree because God is our Creator, guide, and has given us life and, for the above reasons stated in the article, is the only one who may end it. Many have been seduced by the humanist reasons of the MAID lobby and their fallacious argument that it is "death with dignity". Trust in God and be not deceived by the things of this world, which are only transitory.

"NP View: The truly awful cost of Canada's permissive doctor-assisted death program" NP View: The truly awful cost of Canada's permissive doctor-assisted death program | National Post Canada is on a slippery slope with the medically-assisted death law.

quote A 51-year-old Ontario woman with severe sensitivities to chemicals chose medically-assisted death after her desperate search for affordable housing free of cigarette smoke and chemical cleaners failed, advocates say. unquote Medical assistance in dying: Woman with chemical sensitivities chose death | CTV News

The case of the Abbotsford woman being given doctor-assisted death and her family, who reported it to the police without success, would be a case that should be investigated in depth. The family claimed they had no idea that the MAID law left considerable latitude for activist doctors. That is a frightening thought. To think activist pro death doctors could order death for anyone in the most doubtful circumstances is something to ponder. There may be a lesson in this as well. Be aware what kind of doctor you have. You never know when your life may depend on it. The problem is of course it is almost impossible to know what any doctor believes and what he would do in certain situations. This whole MAID program puts unbelievable power in doctor's hands, power that nobody should ever have.

Doctor-assisted death is being offered and being done to all kinds of people who should never receive it. Roger Foley is prime example. The hospital ethicist felt $1500 a day was too much money to spend on a guy like Roger Foley and saw a way how he could do the ultimate money-saving measure if he could convince Roger to take the lethal injection. quote The story comes only days after a widely circulated Associated Press feature broke revelations about a patient in London, Ont., who was similarly given an unprompted offer of euthanasia. Roger Foley suffers from a degenerative brain disorder and claimed he was being offered euthanasia so regularly that he began secretly recording hospital staff. In one recording obtained by AP, a hospital ethicist tells Foley his care is costing the hospital “north of $1,500 a day” and asks if he has “an interest in assisted dying.” The two incidents add to a growing list of controversial cases in which Canadians with chronic conditions were offered death in lieu of treatment. B.C. woman Donna Duncan was approved for a medically assisted death last year after years of declining mental health exacerbated by a chronic inability to access psychiatric care. Duncan’s death in an Abbotsford hospital so blindsided her family that they reported the case to the Abbotsford Police. “While we have been advocates of death by Medical Assistance in situations where there is a terminal diagnosis or death is imminent, we had no idea that Canada’s laws leave considerable room for interpretation by activist doctors,” they wrote in a statement at the time. Another British Columbian, Alan Nichols, was euthanized only days after his family brought him to a Chilliwack hospital to recover from a psychiatric episode. Despite Nichols’ history of severe mental illness and suicidal tendencies, he was approved for death by health authorities after only four days in the hospital’s psychiatric ward. unquote Another case of a sick Canadian offered death instead of treatment — this time, a veteran (msn.com) Those of us who don't believe in this kind of thing must never concede to any part of it and must continue to expose the evils that are happening in a calm, collected way.

Yes we have many NIMBYs and environmental radicals who make the loudest noise. It is time government stop listening to the loudest naysayers. The ordinary working folk are busy working and raising their family. The protesters have nothing better to do but save the planet from man. They should be rejected and forced to get out of the way.

Actually the government is a major cause of the high cost of housing. It is a complex issue and I don't know all the answers. But I know that all levels of government have imposed all kinds of regulations and red tape on the construction home building industry which makes it very difficult to build homes and drives the price up considerably. Governments also have locked up land around municipalities and given huge tracts of land to logging companies in B.C. making the price of real estate in town and on the edge of town unavailable or extremely expensive. This is a huge problem. Yet Canada covers a huge geographic area and has one of the smallest populations per acre in the world. If a lot more land was made available outside towns and cities for building homes, I am sure the prices would drop considerably. But we are stuck with Socialist, dictatorial, authoritarian governments at all levels who refuse to do anything to help the general population. They are busy catering to their favourite privileged groups. I think there could be a lot of corruption behind the scenes tying up real estate.

The BC government union is now hitting the liquor supply / distribution system first with their strikes, which is ok with me. But it will cut the money supply for the provincial NDP government which depends on selling liquor. We have socialized liquor sales as well as private sales in B.C. which seems to work smoothly. I don't know why some people are against private health care providers as long as the government pays for the public to receive the health care. As long as there is no charge to the user, it should not make any difference who supplies the health care if the government is paying for it. The government can find the most economical way to provide health care as long as the health care is available for everyone. That is what matters to the people, not who is providing it. The people don't care whether it is a public government union providing health care or a private company paid for by government. The most efficient and economical system should be used.

This is an appalling report and is just another example of the dangers inherent in the medical assistance in dying program. quote Canadian military veterans and advocates say the case of a veteran being offered medical assistance in dying by a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) employee should prompt an inquiry into the agency's ability to address the mental health of former soldiers. Unquote Of course this should be fully investigated and determination made as to whether the Veterans Affairs Canada employee acted appropriately and action taken. Offering people in need of mental health support assistance to die is beyond reason and completely unacceptable by any measure. Assisted dying offer puts Veterans Affairs’ mental health supports in doubt: advocates (msn.com) Proponents of this vile, evil program will continue to be exposed by new revelations as time goes on. They cannot fight against God and expect to win. Nobody can.

I understand. I cannot comment on individual situations. It is sad that people must suffer in life and in their last days. All I can say is I would point them to Jesus Christ as the only Savior and encourage them to trust in him. If they believe Jesus died for them and receive him as their savior, they will go to heaven. That's what I believe. I cannot condone killing in these situations. It goes against what God taught. Incidentally my dear mother died of bone cancer which is very painful I believe. I was with her the last 24 or 36 hours until she passed away. As I recall she was very quiet and calm during that period. She may have been in a partial coma. I don't know. I think doctors can put people in partial or full comas if they decide it is necessary.

I said there were pain killing medications. I agree there may be suffering with extreme pain near the end of their life. However, this does not justify going against God's clear command "thou shalt not kill" in the Bible. It is very cut and dried. Nobody has the right to take human life by MAID. God's command is not something you can ignore or put aside because of pain. That's not how God thinks. He understands humans have pain and I am sure cares about them. But he considers human life sacred. He created humans in his image and only he can end life in his time. We have no right to play God.

The Conservatives also raised the issue of irremediability of the mentally ill. This is where many experts on mental illness would agree. It is impossible to predict who may be cured of their mental illness. You can read what the Conservative members had to say in their minority report and read the committee's report about this issue as well as other related issues at the link below. quote The Difficulty in Predicting Irremediability Based on evidence the Committee heard, there is significant doubt about whether it is possible to accurately predict the irremediability of a mental disorder that must be thoughtfully considered. By law, to be eligible for MAID, a person must have a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” that is “incurable” and in “an advanced state of irreversible decline”.[8] Another words, to qualify, a MAID assessor must be satisfied that the person’s condition will not get better. The Committee heard from multiple witnesses who said that it is not possible to predict whether a person suffering from a mental health disorder will get better, and therefore not possible to ascertain irremediability.[9] For example, Dr. John Maher, a clinical psychiatrist, and medical ethicist, said: “Psychiatrists don't know and can't know who will get better and live decades of good life. Brain diseases are not liver diseases.”[10] Dr. Brian Mishara, also a clinical psychiatrist and professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, said: “I'm a scientist. The latest Cochrane Review of research on the ability to find some indicator of the future course of a mental illness, either treated or untreated, concluded that we have no specific scientific ways of doing this. We are relying on the clinical hunch of someone who hasn't known the person for 20 or 30 years and who has no scientific data showing that they can determine this.”[11] Dr. Mishara further noted that “[e]ven the most severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, are unpredictable.”[12] Dr. Valorie Masuda, a physician and MAID assessor, said: “When we look at what irremediable means in mental illness, I think it's very difficult to predict and to say that this person has tried a lot of things, but their depression they cannot recover from.”[13] Even the Expert Panel conceded the difficulty in determining the irremediability of a mental disorder, stating: “The evolution of many mental disorders, like some other chronic conditions, is difficult to predict for a given individual. There is limited knowledge about the long-term prognosis for many conditions, and it is difficult, if not impossible, for clinicians to make accurate predictions about the future for an individual patient.”[14] The degree of uncertainty in predicting irremediability is underscored by the Expert Panel’s finding that “[i]t is not possible to provide fixed rules” and that determining eligibility will be completely subjective and left up to MAID assessors to determine on a “case-by-case basis.”[15] As such, MAID decisions in the case of a mental disorder will be based on “hunches and guesswork that could be wildly inaccurate.”[16] As Dr. Mark Sinyor, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of adults with complex mood and anxiety disorders, said: “They could be making an error 2% of the time or 95% of the time. That information should be at the forefront of this discussion, yet it is absent altogether.”[17] Likewise, Dr. Mishara stated with respect to persons suffering from a mental health disorder: “But any attempt at identifying who should have access to MAID will make large numbers of mistakes, and people who would have experienced improvements in their symptoms and no longer wish to die will die by MAID.”[18] Moreover, there is a paucity of scientific evidence to evaluate the safety of MAID MD-SUMC, and the possibility of predicting irremediability. According to Dr. Sinyor there “is absolutely no research on the reliability of physician predictions of the irremediability of illness or suffering in psychiatric conditions.”[19] Consistent with this, Dr. Mona Gupta, the Chair of the Expert Panel, testified that she is unaware of any such studies.[20] Having regard for the above and given the uncertainty around determining irremediability, it is irresponsible and appears to be legally incoherent to move forward with implementing MAID MD-SUMC at this time. It is first necessary for the Liberal government to thoroughly study whether irremediability in the context of a mental disorder is determinable so that, as noted by Dr. Mark Sinyor, “the necessary scientific information is in hand before making such a consequential decision.”[21] unquote Committee Report No. 1 - AMAD (44-1) - Parliament of Canada I realize the report of the committee is quite long and many parts to it. But it is all there on the Parliament's website for those who want to get an idea how the system works. You can also find the public's submissions somewhere on the website. There are a large number of those.

It is no lie. There are powerful pain killers. Try Google. However, aside from the pain killers, which are commonly used it should be understood that the taking of human life is not within the rights or prerogative of man. When life ends is God's business, not man's. The Bible makes it clear "thou shalt not kill". You obviously don't believe the Bible. I would assume you are a secular humanist, which means your guide on the matter is purely human reasoning. You should know that could condemn a person to hell. Time you started to read the New Testament because you obviously believe killing of people is ok if there is a humanist reason for. Suffering is part of life often. It is sad and unfortunate that it happens but that is the way life is sometimes. People suffer all kinds of ways, mentally, physically, etc. But there is no exception that God gives to allow people to kill themselves or others to escape suffering in this world. The argument that because there is suffering it is ok to help someone commit suicide is contrary to what the Bible says. We will be held accountable for our actions. It is also a mistake to assume that everyone will suffer a lot of pain before they die. Many people die peacefully and some even in their sleep. And there are various pain killers which you seem to ignore. But if there is suffering, there is the Bible which gives hope and assurance for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There will be a better future after all the suffering is over. Jesus Christ said he will never leave nor forsake us. (those who have accepted him) To take the easy way out by lethal injection with the aid of a doctor is just contrary to what God said going back in history as far as you can practically go. It is foolish and a form of rebellion against our Creator. You need to start reading the Bible and change your thinking before it is too late.

The Federal government's committee which has been meeting for some time to consider the issue of extending MAID to people based solely on their mental illness issued their first report in June. Their reports are available on the government website. Of course the Liberals and NDP have the largest number of MPs on the committee. The Conservative have only three MPs. But the Conservative did issue a dissenting opinion on the first report. Part of the dissenting opinion states: Note MAID MD-SUMC refers to MAID based solely on a person's mental illness. quote The Lack of Meaningful Study and Consultation We are concerned by the rushed manner that the Liberal government is implementing MAID MD-SUMC absent meaningful study and consultation. MAID MD-SUMC represents a significant expansion of MAID. Canada will be only the fourth jurisdiction in the world, after Belgium, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands, to permit MAID MD-SUMC. Issues around mental illness in the context of MAID are incredibly complex and impacts some of the most vulnerable persons in Canadian society. The Honourable David Lametti, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, acknowledged this, stating that there are “inherent complexities and risks with MAID on the basis of mental illness as the sole criterion, such as suicidality being a symptom of some mental illnesses.”[1] Notwithstanding this, the Liberal government abruptly accepted the Senate amendment to Bill C-7 to expand MAID to include MAID MD-SUMC. The Liberals did so absent further study and in the face of evidence from multiple expert witnesses who appeared at the Senate Standing Committee on Legal Constitutional Affairs and warned about serious risks associated with MAID MD-SUMC.[2] The need for further study of the issues associated with MAID MD-SUMC is supported by the findings of the 2018 Canadian Council of Academies report: The State of Knowledge on Medical Assistance in Dying Where a Mental Disorder Is the Sole Underlying Medical Condition (the “2018 CCA Report”). That 2018 CCA Report found “many important knowledge gaps concerning mental disorders” and that “continued research and examination” is needed to “address some uncertainties and reduce or remove these knowledge gaps.”[3] Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding MAID MD-SUMC, it is noteworthy that the Quebec National Assembly Select Committee tasked with studying Quebec’s MAID regime recommended “that access to medical aid in dying not be extended to persons whose only medical condition is a mental disorder.”[4] In light of the extent to which the Quebec National Assembly considered these matters, it is important to consider its recommendations. Yet since adopting the Senate amendment and setting in motion MAID MD-SUMC effective March 2023, the Liberal government has not undertaken any further study to examine the many complex issues. Nor have the Liberals adequately considered the significant concerns that have been raised about the appropriateness of MAID MD-SUMC, and whether it can be safely implemented. Although the Liberal government appointed the Expert Panel, the mandate of the Panel was to bring forward recommendations on implementing MAID MD-SUMC, not to consider the question of whether such an expansion is appropriate. In addition to a lack of study, there has been a lack of consultation. The Liberal government has failed to meaningfully engage with stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their advocates, Indigenous peoples, mental health professionals and advocates, and other experts. This lack of consultation was condemned at the Committee by Sarah Jama, Executive Director of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario.[5] Notably, the mandate of the Expert Panel did not include consultation with affected stakeholders.[6] Moreover, the Liberal government has ignored feedback from the limited consultation that occurred when Canadians were invited to provide feedback on issues surrounding MAID by completing a survey prepared by the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice’s report on the results of the consultation concluded: “A majority of those who provided comments were not in favour of extending MAID to people who suffer from mental illness.”[7] unquote Note that a majority of input consultations from the public were NOT in favour of extending MAID to people who suffer from mental illness. Yet the Liberal-NDP coalition government is pressing ahead with extending it to people with mental illness. It should also be noted Canada will be only the fourth jurisdiction in the world to extend MAID to mentally ill persons, after Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Committee Report No. 1 - AMAD (44-1) - Parliament of Canada

Incidentally, euthanasia or doctor-assisted dying is still illegal in most countries. The Canadian government for some perverse or bizarre reason considers itself as a leader in the most heinous practice on earth, the death by lethal injection of thousands of people per year at the present time.