The first patient in Manitoba to be granted permission from the Court to exercise their right to die with dignity, has passed away.
It is unclear if the patient passed away of natural causes, or by physician-assisted death.
The family’s legal team issued a statement on behalf of the family on Tuesday evening.
“Their death was as peaceful as we all had hoped,” the statement read. “We deeply appreciate the support our family received from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the physicians and other professionals involved. We are grateful that our privacy was respected during this stressful and challenging time."
Lawyer John Myers represented the patient, along with Legal Aid Manitoba and Public Interest Law Centre.
Judge Glenn Joyal made the decision in early March. The court also granted the applicant a confidentiality order meaning the patient’s age, gender and prognosis will not be made public.
Last year, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down laws barring doctors from helping someone die, but then put the ruling on hold.
In the meantime, patients wanting a physician-assisted death can apply for an exemption.
Physician-assisted death remains illegal until June 6, 2016.
-With files from Beth Macdonell
