By Susan Martinuk

(3 March 1999) — This article is reprinted from the National Post, March 1, 1999

Two basic tenets that underlie arguments to legalize euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are an individual's right to self-determination and the easy establishment of safeguards to regulate these practices.

Court File Nos. C29797 & C29940

COURT OF APPEAL FOR ONTARIO

BETWEEN:

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Appellant/Respondent

- and -

MAURICE GENEREUX

Appellant/Respondent

- and -

COUNCIL OF CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES

Intervenor

FACTUM OF THE INTERVENOR

(15 February 1999) — In an action the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL), calls appropriate, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal recently overturned a lower court's unprecedented two year sentence given to Robert Latimer for killing his daughter, Tracy, who had cerebral palsy. Latimer had been convicted of second-degree murder, but the judge created an exemption to the mandatory 10-year sentence and gave Latimer only two — only one of which to be served in prison.

(8 January 1999) — CCD is seeking to intervene in the Genereux case. In its affidavit, CCD outlined its general position on the Genereux case to the court. CCD's position is summarized below:

People with disabilities are frequently victimized by prejudicial, paternalistic and stereotypical ideas about the quality of our existence. This is true for people who are HIV positive and/or are living with AIDS and for people who depend on doctors and care givers for survival and nurturing.

Comments from a Vigil for Tracy Latimer

by Catherine Frazee

It's a simple question—why have all these people left their homes and their jobs to be here? Why have we made the considerable effort that it always takes for most of us to get anywhere in this big inaccessible country? Why are we huddled together out here in the February cold, sacrificing the comfort of our regular routines and risking our health?

Table of Contents

• Introduction by Hugh R.