By Jill Sperling

McLeod optimistic assisted dying bill will pass soon

Jun 17, 2016 | 10:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — The MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo says it’s important to tread carefully when crafting legislation for medically assisted death. 

A major Senate amendment to the bill was rejected by Members of Parliament yesterday, June 16. The amendment would have seen the removal of reasonably foreseeable death as a requirement to qualify for doctor-assisted death. 

Cathy McLeod says she is in agreement the decision to deny the change. 

“I think this is a huge step in terms of how Canada is responding to the issue of  people who are dealing with critical illness and I don’t … disagree with their stance to keep it tight and not accept the senate amendments,” McLeod said. 

She added she expects to see legislation in place before parliament breaks for the summer. 

Question of the Week

With B.C. moving to end the time change, do you prefer permanent Daylight Savings Time, permanent Standard Time, or the status quo?

Mar 02, 2026

1000 WAYS TO HEAL

1000 WAYS TO HEAL: What are we doing with the land in Kamloops?

Mar 02, 2026

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: March 2, 2026

Mar 02, 2026

“Some of the court cases in the last few weeks have shown the importance of having federal government legislation in place,” McLeod said. “We did miss a deadline, it was not catastrophic, but I think we do, as a federal government, need to have legislation in place.”

McLeod says it’s important that the legislation protect the vulnerable elderly, disabled, and people with mental illnesses.