Have your say tonight on doctor-assisted dying

If you have an opinion on the topic of physician-assisted dying that you feel the need to share, tonight is for you.

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the federal law prohibiting physician-assisted dying. The court gave federal and provincial governments 12 months to respond to the ruling.

The Supreme Court’s decision comes into effect on Feb. 6.

In preparation, an expert advisory group on physician-assisted dying, established by Ontario in collaboration with 10 other provinces and territories, was tasked with compiling a report on the topic, a report that has been completed.

The report is intended to assist provinces and territories as they prepare for the implementation of physician-assisted dying.

In a news release in December, the province said Ontario needs to consider whether regulatory or other changes are required when the decision on physician-assisted dying takes effect.

To help inform the approach, the provincial government invited people to share their views on physician-assisted dying and end-of-life care through in-person public consultations to be held in nine communities in January, as well as through an online survey.

Sudbury hosts one of these public consultations at the Quality Inn on Elgin Street tonight. A session in French is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., with an English session to follow at 7:45 p.m.

People can provide their input on key issues, including safeguards to protect vulnerable people, the impact on families and caregivers, and the role of health care providers in providing physician-assisted dying.