Last January we discussed the case of two Quebecers with incurable degenerative illnesses who were challenging the federal and provincial laws on medical aid in dying. They weren’t allowed to get help to die because their situations didn’t meet the legal requirements. After a 31-day court hearing, Judge Baudouin ruled in their favour.
“Unconstitutional” requirements
Only people whose natural death has become reasonably foreseeable or who are at the end of life can get medical aid in dying. However, the judge decided that these requirements violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms because they’re too restrictive. Since the Charter is part of the Constitution, the requirements are “unconstitutional.”
Six months to change the law
Since the Constitution is the most important law in Canada, the judge declared these requirements invalid, meaning they no longer have any effect. However, the judge suspended this part of her decision for six months to give the provincial and federal governments enough time to change their laws so they respect the Charter.
As a result, for the next six months the requirement of either of a natural death that has become reasonably foreseeable, or an end of life situation, will continue to apply, except for the two people who challenged the laws. This means they can get medical aid in dying if they want it and if they meet the other requirements.