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The Beginning Of Change
The Law Reform Commission of Canada released proposals for amending the Criminal Code. Some of which include the recommendation that mercy killing be treated as second degree murder instead of first. This would mean no fixed or minimum jail term. -
Bill C-621
Bill C-261, an act to legalize the administration of euthanasia under certain conditions, passes first reading in the House of Commons. -
Nancy B.
The Quebec Superior Court ruled in the case of Nancy B, who was suffering from an incurable disease, that turning off her respirator at her request would not be a criminal offence. -
Right To Die Society
The Right to Die Society is founded in Victoria B.C. -
Second Degree Murder
An Ontario surgeon was charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of a seriously ill cancer patient. The patient is alleged to have died of cardiac arrest, after being administered morphine and potassium chloride. -
Sue Rodriguez
Sue Rodriguez, a woman suffering from ALS, begins her movement to overturn the law banning doctor assisted death. -
BillC-385
Bill C-385, an act to amend the Criminal Code in aiding suicide, passed first reading in the House of Commons. However, it was later dismissed due to the closing of Parliament. -
House of Commons
The House of Commons defeated a motion to have those assisting terminally ill persons who wish to die to be not subjected to criminal liability. -
Defeat
In a 5-4 decision, Sue’s appeal is dismissed by the Supreme Court. Her appeal challenged the validity of the Criminal Code under the Charter. -
The Death of Sue Rodriguez
Sue Rodriguez dies with the assistance of an unnamed doctor. Her death was investigated, but no charges were laid. -
Jean Chretien
Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, stated that members of Parliament would have a free vote on the legalization of doctor assisted suicide. A Special Senate Committee was created to examine the legal, social, and ethical issues surrounding the topic. -
Dr. Maruice Genereux
Dr. Maurice Genereux receives a jail term of two years and three years probation for prescribing two sleeping pills to two men with AIDS, who were not terminally ill. -
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Aiding Suicide
From 2004 to 2006, there was a surge in cases of individuals charged with aiding the suicide of loved ones. -
BC Supreme Court
The BC Supreme Court ruled that the right to die with dignity is protected by the Charter of Rights, this was later appealed by the federal government. -
Quebec
Quebec presents right to die legislation in the National Assembly. Quebec’s Bill 52 died in March 2014. -
Bill 52
Bill 52 (an Act Respecting End of Life Care), passed into law, allowing residents of Quebec who were terminally ill to receive physician assistance at end of life. -
A Turning Point
The Supreme Court unanimously overturns a legal ban on doctor assisted suicide stating that the law should be amended to allow doctors to help in specific situations. The government has given provinces and territories 12 months to come up with legislation (February 2016).
