OTTAWA—Confusion reigned Tuesday as the Harper government struggled to offer a coherent response to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down the ban on doctor-assisted dying.
The government sent a series of contradictory signals on two key questions: would it invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the ruling or would it ask for an extension on the court-imposed 12-month deadline for crafting a new law?
Prime Minister Stephen Harper twice dodged when asked to assure Canadians that he won’t use the constitutional override provision to reinstate the ban on medically assisted suicide.
“We are taking a look at this (court) decision. It is on a matter that is obviously very delicate and very divisive among Canadians,” Harper told the House of Commons.
“We will listen to Canadians from all backgrounds and do that before deciding how to respond to the decision.”
A prime ministerial spokesperson was later dispatched to clarify that the government does not intend to invoke the notwithstanding clause.
