We Gotta Keep on Waiting… and Waiting… and Waiting for the World to Change
Court is out in the contentious conscience rights case, which saw the Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS), amongst other complainants, going up against the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) for their controversial policies which force doctors to provide effective referrals for assisted dying, despite their conscientious objection.
After completing three days of legal arguments in the Ontario Superior Court, applicants are now awaiting the judgement, which should be given in… 6 to 12 months?! That’s right, according to Larry Worthen, Executive Director of CMDS, it could take 6 to 12 months before a decision is made by the courts in this contentious case.
168 Ontario doctors have written the CPSO to tell them they will not take part in medically-assisted death. However, while the courts take months to make their decision, the CPSO’s policies stand and can be enforced, leaving objecting doctors in a precarious position, and could possibly face discipline for their objections. This is not Charter-guaranteed conscience protection or swift justice.
As Context TV reported on earlier this year, and as the Senate Committee report has concluded, the justice system in Canada is in need of a massive overhaul.
Thankfully, there is something you can do. You can go to the website for the Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience, www.canadiansforconscience.ca and participate in their lobbying efforts for conscience protection with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP). You can write your local MPP and let them know you want them to work towards judicial reform. And most importantly, you can pray that God will “let justice roll on like a river,” (Amos 5:24) and bring blessing to our nation.
With files from Susan Ponting.
