THURSDAYJANUARY 7, 2016
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DOCTOR-ASSISTED DYING LAW
Unhappy with delay
Local man questions why Liberals want six months JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Bill Martin says he doesn’t understand why the federal government has asked the Supreme Court for a six-month extension to draft new laws on doctor-assisted dying. The 87-year-old Parksville resident doesn’t believe crafting the new legislation would be too difficult. “I don’t know why (the delay),” said Martin, who suffers from spinal degeneration and has advocated for medically-assisted death for more than 50 years. “I could write it (new legislation) in a day, even the legal part of it.” In February of 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Canadians with unbearable suffering should be allowed to end their lives with the aid of a physician and it gave Parliament one year to enact new laws. In December of 2015, the new Liberal government, through Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould (MP for Vancouver-Granville), asked the high court for a six-month extension. “A comprehensive response to the court’s judgment raises important and complex issues which require extensive work by Parliament and provincial legislatures, and can not reasonably be completed before Feb. 6, 2016,” said the 73page document filed with the court by the A-G. “That’s terrible,” said Martin. “If they get the six months, it shows they don’t care.” Martin said, if legalized, he would “absolutely” consider using medically assisted death sometime in the future. He is not alone. A poll conducted in 2014 by Dying With Dignity suggests 84 per cent of Canadians support the idea of medically assisted death for terminally ill patients suffering from unbearable pain. See SUFFICIENT PROTECTIONS, page A7
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J.R. RARDON PHOTO
Mya Spencer of Parksville, 4, enjoys the first good sledding weather of the season at Parksville Community Park on Tuesday. Fun for sledders, the first significant snowfall of the year caused issues on local roads.
TROUBLE ON THE ROADS
Conditions cause collisions CANDACE WU
news@pqbnews.com
A hydro pole and a light standard in Qualicum Beach appear to be the only casualties after Tuesday’s snowfall, but police say the unexpected turn in weather caused seven reported collisions and several minor ones. “A power pole was taken out on Highway 19 at exit 60, there was another accident near Nile Creek on Highway 19A and a roll over on Highway 19A near Bowser,” said Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services NCO Cpl. Mike Elston. “Just driving around
I saw a few cars in the ditch too.” Elston said many of the collisions occurred between Qualicum Beach and Bowser, noting that area is located at a higher elevation making for a heavier snowfall. “That area also has less traffic and with less traffic the roads stay slushier longer,” Elston said, adding a spike in vehicle collisions often accompanies “unexpected weather events, rain or snow.” Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department fire chief Nick Acciavatti said firefighters were kept busy Tuesday
responding to at least four MVA (motor vehicle accident) calls due to the snow. “People are caught off guard by the snow,” said Acciavatti. “We haven’t had a significant snowfall for a while. The key is to slow down and have good tires. Leave a lot of room and pay attention. Drive according to conditions.” As of Wednesday, there were no snowfall warnings in effect according to Environment Canada for Parksville Qualicum Beach. The Weather Network predicts the next few days should be a mix of sun and clouds.
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