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First Manitoba patient granted doctor-assisted death died peacefully: family

First Manitoba patient granted doctor-assisted death died peacefully: family - image
Gerry Broome, AP File

WINNIPEG — The first patient in Manitoba granted physician-assisted death has died peacefully according to a statement from the family.

“Their death was as peaceful as we all had hoped,” read the email issued Tuesday evening from the family’s legal team.

READ MORE: A history of right-to-die legislation in Manitoba

Justice Glenn Joyal made the ruling, a first of its kind in Manitoba, on March 15. He also granted a publication ban on the patient’s name, age, gender and illness.

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READ MORE: Manitoba resident granted right to die by doctor assisted death

Full statement:

As the family of the first patient in Manitoba to be granted permission from the Court to exercise their right to die with dignity, we would like to confirm that our beloved family member has passed away. Their death was as peaceful as we all had hoped. 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.

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Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of Canada gave the government a four month extension, until early June, to pass assisted dying legislation until then anyone wishing to exercise the right to die can apply to a court in their home province.

READ MORE: Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s assisted suicide laws

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