EDMONTON — The Alberta government wants to hear what residents think about doctor-assisted death.
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman says the government is seeking input to help the government develop policies to protect the interests of patients, health-care workers and vulnerable individuals.
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled a year ago that individuals with unbearable suffering from a grievous and irremediable condition could seek a doctor's help to die.
Ottawa has until June 6 to pass new legislation reflecting the court's landmark decision.
The province is looking for input on how old someone must be to make that decision, where such a death should take place, and whether all publicly funded institutions or workers should be forced to provide life-ending services.
Brandy Payne, who is associate minister of health, along with MLA Dr. David Swann and Dr. Bob Turner, make up the advisory committee on physician-assisted death.
All Albertans are encouraged to share their views via an online survey by March 31.
“We need input not just from legal and medical experts, but also from patients, families and caregivers," Payne said in a news release Monday.
