A March 3 press release from the BC Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) indicates the group had heard from the Government of Canada that a last minute adjournment would be sought in the appeal of the so-called Death with Dignity case.
At issue is a landmark judgement by the BC Supreme Court last year relating to the late Gloria Taylor, a former Castlegar resident.
Taylor, who suffered with incurable Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, had launched a legal action along with the BCCLA for the right to decide whether to forego life sustaining measures – for the right to die with dignity.
The government of Canada will reportedly appear before the Court of Appeal tomorrow, Monday, March 4, to argue for an adjournment. Lawyers for the plaintiffs will also be present.
"We have been advised that one of the lawyers on the government's legal team was unwell," the March 3 release states, in part. "The BCCLA will argue that the case should be heard as fast as possible this week," the press release continues. "The Court of Appeal will determine whether or not to grant the adjournment, and if it is granted, the length of the adjournment. The BCCLA is hopeful the hearings will begin on Tuesday."