MP Richard Bragdon in the House of Commons on February 13, 2023

Conservative MP Richard Bragdon gave an eloquent and moving speech in the House of Commons on February 13, 2023 in support of the bill that would delay the expansion of MAiD to those suffering from mental illness alone (C-39). He quoted Psalm 23:4. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:...

Transcript

honorable member for two weeks thank you madam speaker and it gives me mixed emotions to rise today in the house on the subject our hearts are full of stories of those I don't think there's Harmony a family that isn't touched by those who are battling with mental illness in some form or shape at some period or juncture in their lives and the mere thought that made could be extended to those battling with mental illness is beyond disturbing I believe Canadians from coast to coast are in agreeance that this is an extension that goes way too far and I stand today and rise today in this house as one who definitely will support this bill bill c-39 to delay the further extension of made

to those with mental illness and with that pause and with that delay I hope that the government will take advantage of that space and time to finally put in place adequate safeguards to protect our most vulnerable yes it's been said that the character of a nation is revealed and how it treats its most vulnerable right now the character of our nation is being tested and how will we respond to this time of testing will We rise to the occasion to help our fellow man our fellow humans are our fellow neighbors friends who are battling and who are struggling will we respond to their anguish will we respond to their pain will we respond to the cries that are going forth from many across

this country right now who are under increased strain mentally many are coping and trying to self-medicate it's led to addictions in their life and further mental health struggles we're seeing a rise in depression and anxiety and other types of mental illness that's moving across the country at a very rapid rate and to younger and younger Canadians our hearts are moved with this and I think the importance of this delay cannot be overstated but let us not just delay this for another year and then have to revisit it again and have this debate again let's move with urgency towards putting in the necessary safeguards to protect our most vulnerable Canadians are demanding that we respond

we've had many examples of the overreach and the overextension of this where veterans have been offered an advised to utilize medical assistance and dying this is something that should never happen for those who are heroes and have served and are in a Time a post-traumatic stress or in a season of anxiety and depression that we know with adequate support with proper care can Traverse to the other side of that deep valley they may be in temporarily I have family and friends that have had these bouts I have seen the effects of mental illness a very deep and profound ways and in my time in my previous vocation I have rushed to a bridge where someone was on the edge considering taking that step

of ending their lives I've been called to a dam in my area in dead of winter to respond to someone who had reached their end I am very thankful Madam speaker that I can report to this house that both those individuals and this was some time ago have moved on with their lives and they're living and they're enjoying their lives and they've made some very positive changes I am so thankful that in that moment they chose life and I am very thankful that at that time medical assistance in dying was not extended to those who were battling mental illness alone Madam speaker this house must put in the adequate safeguards that are needed experts are telling us very clearly

that this should not be extended to those battling with mental illness solely and alone because there's no way they can adequately adequately respond or determine if the mental illness is your remedial so with that uncertainty with those legitimate concerns coming from health professionals and the majority of of doctors and Physicians across the country it would behoove this house to not only pass this bill and give the delay but take immediate steps to implement adequate safeguards to protect our most vulnerable I pause in just a moment to upon probably that most one of the most famous passages that has ever been quoted in times of stress and duress for many people

it's oftentimes featured in movies it's pretty well most funerals that we attend it's it's a verse of great comfort it says yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me death cast a very big Shadow and those of us who've lost loved ones know that pain and grief very well and those who've lost family members and loved ones to Suicide know how dark and deep that shadow is but there is hope Madam speaker and when we are traversing the very values of the shadow of death it is a valley that we can pass through and come through on the other side and even those who are battling with mental illness depression and anxiety though it may

feel permanent in the moment there are many many many many people who have traversed that Valley and come out on the other side with hope and light again in their hearts and in their souls and primarily it's because they came to the realization that they were not alone yes they have loved ones that were with them they have family that care for them they had neighbors that extended a hand they had those that would run in when everyone else ran out of their lives and when it looked dark as someone lit a candle in their night that brought hope and Madam speaker I am thankful for those who brought light to me in darkened times of my soul I hope that everyone in this room will

take this pause that this bill will grant this house and be a light in a darker place for those who are hurting and extend the hope that is in the Valley of the shadow of death we don't have to fear but we can walk with people through that most difficult of seasons in their life let's bring hope let's bring life let's not encourage death or a culture of death let's Foster a culture of Hope and life for those who most desperately need it thank you madam speaker [Applause]