Bill S-2

This enactment clarifies the law by protecting from criminal liability health care providers who act in accordance with their patients’ wishes in the areas of life-sustaining medical treatment and the alleviation of physical pain.

The enactment also provides that the Minister of Health may, in cooperation with provincial authorities and associations of health care professionals, establish national guidelines in the areas of life-sustaining medical treatment, the controlling of pain and palliative care. The Minister of Health may also promote and encourage public education regarding controlling pain and increasing the training of health care professionals in this area and in the area of palliative care.