Feb 11, 2015
By Bob Komsic
The federal justice minister admits using the Charter of Rights notwithstanding clause to override the Supreme Court’s ruling on doctor-assisted death would be ”the legal equivalent of a nuclear bomb.”
That’s why Peter MacKay says instead the government will talk with various affected groups.
He concedes the ruling could move votes in the upcoming federal election but that it’s hard to gauge just what impact the decision will have at the ballot box.
MacKay also does not believe that it’s an issue owned by any single party.
The justice minister reiterates the government will take its time to respond but that using the charter to intervene is very unlikely.
MacKay says the Conservatives are looking at MP Steven Fletcher’s private member’s bill as well as other approaches.
The high court gave the government 12 months to come up with new legislation after striking down the ban against doctors helping mentally sound patients, who are experiencing enduring, intolerable suffering, to end their lives.
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