MANY CHANGES TO BILL C-14 EXPECTED IN SENATE WEDNESDAY
Jun 07, 2016
By Bob Komsic
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One senator says to expect ”many, many” amendments to the Trudeau government’s assisted dying legislation, suggesting it’ll be some time before the Supreme Court will have something to look at.
Bill C-14 passed in the Commons and was sent to the Senate May 31, just days ahead of the high court’s June 6 deadline for a new law.
The upper chamber’s legal and constitutional affairs committee has concluded its review of the bill.
No amendments were made.
Instead, senators agreed to consider proposed amendments when third reading begins Wednesday.
Senator George Banker calls it ”extradordinary,” saying in 40 years on Parliament Hill, he’s ever seen so much interest in a bill.
Some senators feel it’s far too restrictive, while others argue there are not enough safeguards to protect the vulnerable.
James Cowan, the Liberals leader in the red chamber, feels the legislation is unconstitutional and that the Senate’s jobs is to get a better bill, not a speedier one.