Doctor-assisted death a hot topic at candidates debate

By Emma Persaud, Nikolai Karpinski and Stelios Pappas

MADOC – Doctor-assisted death was a hot topic at an all-candidates debate in the Hastings, Lennox and Addington riding Sept. 24.

Eighty-year-old resident Dorothy Ellis stated she wanted a referendum on the issue as soon as possible.

“If we don’t,” she said, “we’re not going to have enough dollars to look after the health of the young people. The next generation, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren.”

This issue was also important to resident Oscar Anderson. He shared how he felt about the candidates’ responses and the importance of collaboration.

The Canadian Medical Association is seeking clarity from the federal and provincial laws surrounding physician-assisted dying before February 2016.