blackbird

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.

Euthanasia is very similar to the Russian Putin government ordaining the bombing of civilians or shooting them in the streets, which has been happening. It is state-sanctioned killing just as euthanasia is in Canada.

There is no need to suffer with all the pain-killers and medications available today. The term "dying with dignity" is a piece of fiction used as a tool to fool people such as yourself. You obviously have swallowed the lie. Death by doctor-assisted lethal injection is not "dying with dignity". It is a combination of suicide and legalized killing.

You are correct about the word "murder". My apologies. It is a legal term. So it is not the correct word in this situation. Killing is the correct word. If the killing is unjustified, then that puts it in an entirely different light as well and could perhaps be examined as to it's legality and possibly challenged in a court of law as to whether it met the threshold of the immoral MAID law. However, killing is condemned by God in the Bible and has historically been wrong. Canada is one of the few and first countries to legalize euthanasia or doctor-assisted death. Just because something is legal in one country does not make it moral or right. Hitler and the Nazis legalized the killing of eight million Jews in the gas chambers. In fact, some of their militaries committed genocide against the Jews and other people in various locations apart from the gas chambers. They arbitrarily just executed people and dumped them in a pit. Just because a state or country legalizes something does not make it right or legal. As far as suffering, that is debatable as well. The medical system has drugs they can administer to people for pain. If someone is not receiving the care they should from the medical system, that is a deficiency in the system and does not justify ending someone's life by lethal injection. In addition, what we talking about now is the change to the MAID system to allow people who are not suffering from pain and who are not terminally ill to receive doctor-assisted dying. People who are mentally ill or suffering from depression, which sometimes disappears and sometimes can be treated do not deserve to die simply because they feel depressed and want to end their life at some given point. That is like suicide. People who want to commit suicide have always been seen as needing help, not needing lethal injection. To think otherwise is a sign of serious mental disorder.

Simple. Murder has always been illegal. On top of that, many people are not mentally fit to make such a decision and are not terminally ill but have their lives ended by this evil system.

It works that way because government unions are in bed with the NDP. They take care of each other. You're right though; that's how it works. Private sector must work harder to keep up with inflation. They don't have the inside connection to the government that government unions have.

Some Catholics have enough moral values to recognize the sanctity of life. Bravo to them. The liberal mostly Catholic government, not so much.

The 33,000 government employees just trying to negotiate a contract with the BC government will be the ones who benefit from the Socialist government in Victoria. They have already been offered several percent a year plus a signing bonus etc. But they want far more. So they are going on strike. You can be sure the NDP government will look after them because that is a large part of the NDP base. The government union and NDP are in close cahoots. That is Socialism for you. Everyone else must struggle to make ends meet but the government unions will be taken care of.

The National Post is not Catholic for one thing. But even if it was a Catholic website, which it is not, it still states the facts that people who should not be dying are given medical assistance in dying.

It is a National Post article, but it simple states the facts which you refuse to accept.

Simple. If you had read the news article, you would find vulnerable people are having pressure put on them to consider medical assistance in dying. People with mental issues have already been killed by MAID. That will get far worse as the amended law allowing mental people to choose MAID kicks into effect next year. I have a son in his fifties who has serious mental issues. He is a schizophrenic. He is not capable of rational thinking. He should never be given that choice. Other people with health problems that cost the medical system a lot of money or people with financial troubles or people not being properly treated for pain issues are under pressure and feel compelled to take medical assistance in dying. One doesn't have to be a genius to see the problem with this system and the numbers of people choosing MAID is increasing by the thousands per year now. The value of life is being degraded and disrespected. People falsely think MAID is the answer to their problems when in fact it is only the beginning because they will meet their Creator who may have something to say about taking human life against his command.

Whether it is levers or knobs should be up to the owner/builder to decide what he wants, not some government bureaucracy. What we have is extreme red tape and regulations with bureaucracy dictating endless rules of how everything shall be built. Now it will be driven by climate change as well. They are banning natural gas in the large city of Vancouver, which could cost homeowners thousands of dollars to install alternative heating systems that could cost more to heat as well. All these things drive up the price of real estate and rent making it more difficult for everyone. This government dictatorial bureaucracy is also making it more expensive to drive gas powered vehicles because they want to force everything to buy electric vehicles. This issue of climate change will now also be adding increasing regulations and costs to everything thanks to the climate change liberal extremists.

Of course, but how far do you carry that? Vancouver required a certain kind of door knob and forbade certain kinds. Once bureaucrats are in control, there is no limit to how far they will go. A building inspector once told me when I was building my shed that he could not approve the windows in it because there were no drain holes on the bottom to drain the water out. So I took the drill and drilled a few holes through the aluminum frame at the bottom of windows and he had to approve it, which he did. Needless to say there has never been any water inside the window frame to drain out. There is a overhanging roof over the windows. I would hate to see the regulations and red tape required to build a house in Vancouver or many other places. Not to mention the fact property is tied up around the towns and cities.

The federal government has loosened the laws on Medical Assistance in Dying and is making it more easy to obtain. Next year the mentally challenged or mentally ill will be free to obtain and there will be no shortage of care people advising them of their options. FIRST READING: Canada is getting real comfortable with killing its disabled (msn.com)

If there is such a big demand for lower cost housing, one would think the building industry would be booming and building thousands and hundreds of thousands of homes. But the involvement of government red tape, regulations, etc. has put the damper on the construction industry. Government thinks they know better than everyone else. That is the problem in a nutshell.

Sadly, I get the feeling liberal, left, (Lib party, NDP) have no use whatsoever for people that believe in less government control and micro-managing everything in life. They prefer the globalist U.N., WEF, etc. that are expanding their control of countries and depriving people of basic freedoms. The reality is freedom comes with a price. Not everyone will be rich and there will always be some poor people for various reasons. But people have to decide what they want. Do they want to blindly trust politicians and government with every part of their lives, taxes, etc. in exchange for promised security and social services. All these things come with the price of the people losing their freedoms and becoming just puppets of the state. That is what is happening now. People demand more social services like dental care, pharmacare, guaranteed income, housing, etc. and the result is the population cannot even earn enough to pay the rent or put gas in their car because the system is becoming so costly to run. They end up with some social programs but many must live on the food banks and many sleep on the streets. So what has been accomplished. Life is being made more unaffordable for millions of people because of government. I am thinking of writing to my local NDP MP and telling him his talk about a dental care program for children will add billions more to the national budget while our health care system is failing us. At least fix the health care system before looking for new programs to spend money on. They are obviously doing this for votes and to appease the NDP base.

Norway monitors everyone's purchases and if anyone is caught buying too much of something, government takes action against them. Biden wants to do the same thing. Sweden is thinking of bringing in digital monitoring and facial recognition of everyone now. These countries are fast losing their freedom and falling under Socialist controls more and more. The people foolishly trusted in government and allowed them to micro-manage society. Now they are paying for it Norway Is Tracking Citizens' Purchases And Biden Wants To Do It Too (thefederalist.com)