1990s: Various MPs introduced private members bills related to euthanasia or assisted suicide, but NDP MP Svend Robinson’s repeated efforts, beginning in 1992, were the most prominent.

1993: Sue Rodriguez, who was paralyzed by ALS, challenged the legal right to an assisted suicide in the Supreme Court of Canada. The Court decided against her in a landmark 5-4 decision.
1994: A year later, at the age of 44, Rodriguez committed suicide with the help of an anonymous doctor. Svend Robinson was present at her death. No charges were laid.

2000: A Senate study that looked at end-of-life issues urged quality palliative care and concluded  the principles, expertise and medical infrastructure for the care of people facing death were evolving far too slowly.

2005: Bloc Quebecois MP Francine Lalonde introduced private member’s bill C-407,  An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, (Right to Die with Dignity). It died before second reading when the 2006 election was called.

2008: Lalonde introduced a slightly amended version of Bill C-407 that died with the October 2008 election.

2009: In May, Lalonde introduced Bill C-384 on the eve of the National March for Life that marked the 40th anniversary of the omnibus bill that decriminalized abortion. The bill is scheduled for its first hour of debate late this month or in early October, and could face a vote before Christmas.

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