ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- The lawyer for a man who tried to be the first person in Newfoundland and Labrador to receive a doctor-assisted death says his client has passed away, without the help of a doctor.
Kyle Rees launched a legal fight to have medically assisted dying legislation brought to the province on behalf of an unidentified man who was in the last stages of prostate cancer.
Rees says his 67-year-old client recently died, but offered no other details other than to say he did not need the assistance of a doctor.
Two doctors had agreed to assist the man, but wanted a clear ruling from the court that what they were doing was not illegal.
Rees had made a court application for the man, but it was withdrawn last month because the man's physician was satisfied that he meets the requirements of Bill C-14.
Rees had said the man was in great pain and had exhausted all avenues of potential treatment, including palliative care.
