New Democrat spokesperson on health Judy Darcy made the following statement regarding the B.C. Liberals’ vote against adoption of the Select Standing Committee on Health’s report on dying with dignity:

“In February of this year, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously and unequivocally ruled that Canadians in severe and irreversible pain have the right to end their own lives. Within three months, when this ruling comes into effect, British Columbians and their families will be faced with unimaginably difficult and emotional decisions.

“They need to know that their government is taking leadership on this critical issue. The report thoughtfully reflects what we heard from hundreds of British Columbians.

“I am profoundly disappointed that government MLAs blocked this report today, turning their back on these British Columbians, and refusing to accept the responsibilities placed on them by the Supreme Court of Canada.

“Soon, patients and doctors may be faced with the most heart-rending decisions of their lives, with no government light to shine the way, no guidance — not even support for the very basic principles in this report. I urge all government members to adopt the report immediately.

“It concerns me greatly. It should concern all members of the legislature. It should concern all British Columbians.”