By Canadian Press

Feds seek fourth extension to update assisted-dying law

Feb 19, 2021 | 1:25 PM

OTTAWA — The Trudeau government is seeking a fourth extension to the court-imposed deadline for expanding access to medical assistance in dying.

Justice Minister David Lametti is asking the court to give the government one more month — until March 26 — to pass Bill C-7.

The bill is intended to bring the law into compliance with a 2019 Quebec Superior Court ruling that struck down a provision allowing assisted dying only for people nearing the natural ends of their lives.

The bid for yet another extension reflects doubt that the government can get the bill passed by the current deadline next Friday.

On Tuesday, he House of Commons is scheduled to begin debating whether to accept or reject major amendments passed by the Senate.

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That debate could drag on for days and whatever the Commons ultimately decides on the amendments, the bill must still go back to the upper house, where senators will have to decide whether to defer to the elected chamber or dig in their heels.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 19, 2021.

The Canadian Press