Close X
Friday, November 15, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadians suffering at the end of their lives need top court's help, lawyer says

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Oct, 2014 10:35 AM

    OTTAWA - A lawyer set to argue at the Supreme Court of Canada this week for the right to assisted suicide says it would be a travesty if politicians simply ignore the issue.

    Grace Pastine of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association says suffering Canadians are asking for the top court's help to change the current laws.

    Should the Supreme Court agree that today's rules violate the Constitution, it could give Parliament time to write new laws.

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Tuesday he has no intention of reopening the debate, noting that it has been before Parliament in the past.

    Several bills that would allow for assisted suicide have come before the House of Commons over the last two decades but none has ever made it very far.

    Still, Harper says the government is watching the case with great interest.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Harper hosts EU leaders today for Canada-Europe summit

    Harper hosts EU leaders today for Canada-Europe summit
    OTTAWA - Prime Minister Harper will host a summit with two top leaders from the European Union today in Ottawa.

    Harper hosts EU leaders today for Canada-Europe summit

    Supreme Court upholds Alberta murder conviction

    Supreme Court upholds Alberta murder conviction
    OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that an Alberta court was right when it allowed statements made by an accused murderer during a police sting operation to be entered as evidence.

    Supreme Court upholds Alberta murder conviction

    Charged added in newborn's death after car crash at London, Ont., Costco store

    Charged added in newborn's death after car crash at London, Ont., Costco store
    LONDON, Ont. - An additional charge of criminal negligence causing death has been laid in connection with a car crash at a Costco store in London, Ont., that resulted in the death of a young girl and days later, her newborn sister.

    Charged added in newborn's death after car crash at London, Ont., Costco store

    U.S. approached Canada about help in Iraq: ambassador

    U.S. approached Canada about help in Iraq: ambassador
    OTTAWA - The U.S. ambassador to Canada says it is Washington that's asking Canada to expand its role in the Middle East — full stop.

    U.S. approached Canada about help in Iraq: ambassador

    Ex-Quebec construction union boss found guilty of fraud, forging documents

    Ex-Quebec construction union boss found guilty of fraud, forging documents
    MONTREAL - An influential former Quebec union boss has been found guilty of fraud and forging documents stemming from inflated expense claims.

    Ex-Quebec construction union boss found guilty of fraud, forging documents

    Man arrested 'for mischief' after making comments on Air Canada plane

    Man arrested 'for mischief' after making comments on Air Canada plane
    TORONTO - A 22-year-old man has been arrested after making concerning comments on board an Air Canada plane at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.

    Man arrested 'for mischief' after making comments on Air Canada plane