A small but determined group gathered outside the offices of local politicians Thursday to protest upcoming assisted dying legislation.
Only 10 people showed up for the protest, a turnout likely muted by some miserable weather, outside the office of Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield before moving over to MPP Liz Sandals' office.
Similar events were planned throughout Ontario, including outside the offices of Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong and MPP Ted Arnott.
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in January that the Federal Government had four months to enact assisted dying legislation, following a ruling last year that's implementation was delayed by the Federal election.
"It seems to me that we've struggled to help fight suicide," said Jakki Jeffs, Executive Director of Alliance for Life Ontario.
"So on the one hand we're saying that suicide is not the answer - with all the help lines and counsellors at schools and help at the workplaces - then on the other hand we're going to say 'oh forget that, if you want to commit suicide that's now going to be your legislated right.' When you start playing with the truth, anything goes," Jeffs said.
Longfield met with organizers of the local event, Jeffs and Hanna Caruso, Program Manager of Guelph & Area Right to Life, for roughly an hour before addressing the small group as a whole.
"It's not going to be anything goes," Longfield said.
"It's not intended to be a decision that can be made without physician consultation, and a second physician, and witnesses. There's going to be quite a few hurdles to go through in order to access it," Longfield said.
Longfield said there were parts of the assisted dying law that "concerned him," most notably how the issue of vulnerable people, particularly when it comes to defining "vulnerable" when it comes to mental health.
"The Supreme Court says it's individuals that have to initiate the process on behalf of themselves, with nobody else, with doctors and with peer review by doctors. Plus witnesses that have no conflict of interest, so we've got some guidelines," Longfield said.
"We don't have much time. Things have to go through the system by the end of June."
Within three years the government also has to define what a "competent minor" is when it comes to assisted dying.
Protesters were asked about people who feel they have the right to choose assisted dying.
"Life is precious. You never know what in God's plan you might receive," said Teresa Topan, one of those weathering the rain with signs against assisted dying.
"God gave life, God takes it away," said her mother Lillian Topan. "It's all in God's hands."
Longfield said the concerns of all would be taken to Ottawa as the legislation is created, including those against assisted dying.
"My job is to represent Guelph and the opinions of Guelph," Longfield said, "so I'm asking for your opinions to come forward so that I can take them into the House of Commons with me."
"This legislation is intended to protect people and at the end of the day, if it's done properly, it will protect people," Longfield said.