Vulnerable Subjects and Canadian Research Governance

Abstract

ravo et al. have recently suggested in this journal that the Quebec civil law should be changed to eliminate the need for proxy consent by a court appointed legal representative in order to conduct research involving cognitively impaired individuals. They prefer more informal models that would defer to family members.' In contrast, Tomossy and colleagues have argued for the adoption of statutory protections for vulnerable subjects across Canada, noting that Quebec is the only Canadian province having such a framework.z In the absence of legislative supports, Tomossy and colleagues questioned the legal validity of research involving persons unable to provide consent. Such divergent approaches invite reflection on the Canadian research and regulatory climate. The recommendation by Bravo et al. to revise the