Editor, The News:
Last week, Justice Lynn Smith released her 395-page decision in the Gloria Taylor case. By judicial fiat, her decision forces Canada to change the law on physician assisted suicide without democratic Parliamentary process and inquiry and contrary to the recorded wishes of the majority of federal politicians.
This case should be sent immediately the B.C. Court of Appeal. It is not in the best interests of Canadians, nor is it the wish of the majority of Canadian voters that this about-face on public policy be implemented just because one unelected, appointed individual decides on her best reasoning that it should be so. Besides effecting elderly Canadians, this decision will have a negative effect on all Canadians with disabilities. That is 500,000 to 33,000,000 reasons why this case needs to be appealed.
Laurie Geschke
Maple Ridge