OPPOSITION REJECTS MOVE TO EXTEND DEBATE ON ASSISTED-DYING BILL
May 13, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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The Trudeau government was hoping to extend debate in the Commons next week on Bill C-14 – the physician-assisted dying legislation.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould introduced two motions to extend the sitting hours Tuesday and Wednesday into the early morning hours so politicians could have their say.
But the opposition parties rejected the procedural move, accusing the government of using ”bulldozer” tactics.
The minister says she would have preferred to have more time to debate the proposed new law.
But the Conservatives complained their constituents deserve to hear the debate at a time when they’re awake.
NDP MP Peter Julian says the government should have approached the New Democrats first to seek consent to extend the sitting hours.
The Supreme Court has given Parliament until June 6th to have a law in place.