May 11, 2010

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa , ON K1A 0A6

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

On behalf of the over 96,000 members of The Catholic Women's League of Canada, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to you first for being in the House when the vote was taken and second for your vote to defeat Bill C-384, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity). League members are encouraged by the overwhelming number of members of parliament who voted to ensure that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide would remain a criminal offense in Canada.

Members are optimistic now that a Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care (PCPCC) has been established. The League firmly believes that all parties have a unique opportunity to work together to address the critical needs of those suffering with a debilitating illness and an aging society. Hopefully the committee or a member of parliament may ultimately introduce a bill that affirms and enshrines palliative and compassionate care as a basic right of all citizens.

As Canadians we must continue to build a nation that upholds the dignity of all its citizens, including those facing the end-of-life and those that are most at risk in our society. A compassionate and caring society would expect nothing less for its most vulnerable citizens.

Best wishes to you as you continue to work to uphold the values that built our wonderful country.

Sincerely

Danielle McNeil-Hessian

National President