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“We will continue to respect the law and provide assistance to people at end of life. We will respond with compassion and respect to anyone who requests physician-assisted death without discrimination or coercion, seeking to understand their request and exploring with them their options — including timely transfer of care for further assessment,” Patrick Dumelie, Covenant Health president and CEO, wrote in a letter to the government in March.

Associate health minister Brandy Payne said Thursday any physician or medical practitioner who has a “conscientious objection” will not be required to provide medical aid in dying. The provincial government is working with Covenant Health and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations to ensure that the rights of their members are protected, she said.

• 54 per cent of respondents said a person younger than 18 should be eligible to die with the assistance of a doctor as long as they are mature and competent enough to understand the nature of the request.

Just under 40 per cent said only adults should be eligible.

Legislation from the Liberal government that is currently before the House of Commons restricts medical-assisted death to individuals over 18.

• 70 per cent of respondents believe that while a patient must request medical-assisted death while they are competent, a doctor can fulfil the request even if the patient loses competency before his or her death.

The Liberal legislation requires an individual to be competent at the time the procedure is performed and does not allow for advance directives.

• 60 per cent of respondents support as sufficient safeguards the guidelines laid out by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, which include ensuring that patients are aware of all medical options and there are two doctors involved in the process.

• 64 per cent of respondents support either the patient or physician being able to administer the drugs used in a medical-assisted death, though 60 per cent believe a doctor needs to be present for the procedure.

With files from Calgary Herald

oellwand@postmedia.com

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