Article content continued

Wednesday saw the second round of debate about the regulations. It was just as emotional as the first.

Some members, such as Wildrose MLA Mike Smith, chose to take his allotted time to speak passionately against the notion of assisted death.

“Love — not this motion, not these regulations, not physician-assisted death — is the answer,” he said.

Others, such as Lethbridge-East NDP MLA Maria Fitzpatrick, told of the deaths of loved ones.

The main complaints opposition parties have with Motion 17 doesn’t seem to be the regulations themselves, but the lack of consultation in developing them, and what they see as a last-minute solution.

By releasing regulations at the eleventh hour, McIver said, the opportunity to consult with constituents has been lost.

“It’s done. It’s over. You blew it. There’s no coming back from this one,” he told the NDP government.

Similarly, PC MLA Sandra Jansen accused the government of “not listening,” and called the lack of consultation “unforgivable.”

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said Wednesday the government is working “as quickly as possible” to get the regulations in place.

More than 15,000 people gave feedback in a survey on the issue, she said, and the province wants to get it right.

“It’s really important we get feedback from the opposition members, which is why we’ve engaged in this debate,” she said.

“We’re the only province in Canada that’s even brought this level of transparency to the discussion. No matter what though, there will be a seemliness transition for patients.”

The regulations will be finalized by cabinet.

egraney@postmedia.com

twitter.com/EmmaLGraney