Letter to the Editor: Assisted Death is Not Healthcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2024
BARRHEAD, AB

Dear Editor,

This week, the Special Joint Committee Medical Assistance in Dying released their latest
report and strongly recommended pausing the expansion of assisted death – also known as
euthanasia. This expansion was set to begin on March 17, 2024.

This confirms what Conservatives have been saying all along: expanding assisted death to
those suffering from a mental illness will result in the deaths of those who could have gotten
better.

Let’s be clear: euthanasia is not – nor ever will be – healthcare.

As a result, the Liberal Government announced that it will extend the delay the expansion of
assisted death to those suffering with mental illness until 2027. The Minister of Health, Mark
Holland, stated that the health-care system was not ‘ready’ to expand access to those with
mental illness.

What a callous approach to such a vulnerable community. Canada should never be ‘ready’
to euthanize those struggling with mental illness.

As I have spoken with constituents across our riding, I have heard a clear call for the
government to focus on helping people by investing in suicide prevention and palliative
care.

As your Member of Parliament, I want to assure you that a Conservative Government will
permanently halt the expansion of MAID to those with mental illness.

We believe that those struggling with their mental health deserve support and treatment, not
euthanasia. We know that recovery is possible and this is why we will never give up on
anyone.

Arnold Viersen, MP
Peace River – Westlock