PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
In most cases, you cannot be given medical treatment without your consent. This includes vaccines, although vaccines may be a requirement to engage in certain activities. If you unable to consent, the court can appoint someone to consent for you. Certain types of medical care, such as assistance in dying, have special consent requirements.
There are certain legal requirements that must be met before consent to medical treatment will be valid. This includes consent to be vaccinated. Medical consent can only be given by someone who is of sound mind to make decisions. Consent must also be informed and voluntarily given.
In some circumstances, people who are very ill with something they cannot recover from can ask for medical assistance in dying.
Without proper consent, medical care can be considered assault. This can lead to lawsuits or even criminal charges. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms also protects people from unwanted medical treatment. There are, however, some exceptions.
The Saskatoon and Regina public libraries are hosting free Law Fairs to help people learn about their legal rights/responsibilities and connect with legal information and support. In Saskatoon, check out the free screening of The Good Canadian presented by Legal Aid Saskatchewan. There's lots to see and do during the 11th annual Saskatchewan Access to Justice (SKA2J) Week!