Dr. Gabrielle Colleran:

The association has 3,500 consultants and there are varied views on this. Probably similarly to the committee, people have strong views either way and many of us in the middle are struggling with the nuance of the debate.

A risk that has been raised in terms of our geriatricians relates to the current budget and the moratorium on home help. That creates a difficulty for vulnerable people in our society who have dependence on others. I do not know if members have looked at the report of the ethics committee to the Danish Parliament, which has recommended against legislation on assisted dying. One of the reasons given was that if it becomes an option, there is a risk it becomes an expectation aimed at special groups in society. Representing consultants across geriatrics and palliative care, we feel there is an onus on the State to ensure every person with mental illness has access to psychiatry and every person with oncology issues or late-stage cardiac disease has all the social supports for good living. Exactly as the people from Dignitas said, many people do not want to die but do not want to suffer. They want to live well. Some of our members have grave concerns while others have other opinions. One thing that is consistently raised is the concern that if those supports are not available, people will be pushed into taking that option. In Oregon, 46% of those who opt for assisted death say part of it is feeling a burden to others. In a country with a housing crisis and a lack of access, that is a big issue, as it is for the committee when it considers legislating. Where is our system in terms of supporting people?

Dr. Lyne made the very valid point that when you start out with assisted dying, it is people like him and me who are well educated who have access to it, and autonomy is really important to us. However, the analysis of Oregon showed 65% had private health insurance 25 years ago while 79% are on Medicaid now. Half of them say they feel a burden to society. It is a complex, nuanced issue. We have had many heated discussions. Members might not be able to tell but there are differing opinions between the three of us. Those are issues for the committee. It is a challenging issue to legislate for. We do not envy the committee.