June 17, 2016 5:15 P.M.Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Today, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Yasir Naqvi, Ontario's Attorney General issued the following statement:
"Today, Parliament passed legislation on medical assistance in dying.
The final legislation, once it takes effect, will provide a national framework to support the implementation of medical assistance in dying across Canada. Ontario engaged with federal officials and other provinces and territories on a number of technical issues related to this legislation to prepare for its implementation.
Patients who wish to access medical assistance in dying should talk with their health care provider.
Ontario's health regulatory colleges for physicians, nurses and pharmacists will provide guidance to help health care providers provide appropriate medical assistance in dying to patients who request this option. Ontario will also ensure that drugs required for medical assistance in dying will be available at no cost.
Ontario has established a referral service to support physicians in making an effective referral for consultation and assessment for possible medical assistance in dying cases. The service will help connect physicians who are unwilling or unable to provide medical assistance in dying with physicians who are willing to complete a patient consultation and assessment.
Moving forward, Ontario will also pursue amendments to provincial legislation to further support the implementation of medical assistance in dying.
There are many complex and sensitive issues related to end-of-life care and medical assistance in dying. Through our consultations on this issue, we heard from thousands of Ontarians, health care providers and stakeholders from across the province. Our fundamental commitment is to ensure that end-of-life care is provided appropriately, safely and with the utmost compassion."