Submission to the Special Joint Committee on Physician Assisted Dying

Our reflections here, and the questions raised, are not an objection to the decision of the Supreme Court – that decision has been made by the court, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to a carefully crafted legislative framework that serves the inherent dignity of each human being within their primary community of support. We care for the most vulnerable in our society, and walk with them. We are committed upholding the importance of personal conscience, and wish to find ways to ensure that such is formed without coercion. We are concerned about limited access to high quality medical care, including palliative and mental health care, especially in northern and Indigenous communities, with whom we walk in partnership. And we will continue to equip and support our pastors in their compassionate and wise care of the dying.