EDMONTON, AB: Wildrose Shadow Health Minister Drew Barnes released the following statement Tuesday after the government provided a last minute legislative briefing on the details behind Motion 17, on physician-assisted death:
“After introducing this motion yesterday, today the government presented opposition Members with information on their planned regulations for medical aid in dying less than an hour before they were scheduled to be debated in the Assembly.
“Albertans have made it clear that they expect safeguards to be in place on this highly emotional issue.
“This shortened timeline imposed by the NDP government is simply unacceptable. Less than an hour is not nearly enough time for any Member to prepare for the constructive and helpful debate that we would like to see on this motion, and that Albertans expect from their representatives.
“We know that all opposition parties want to work with the government to get this right, but without time to consult with constituents and health care experts, our ability to do so is compromised.
“We are disappointed to see the government taking such legislative shortcuts that undermine the democratic process.”