Liberals table another bill to lower blood alcohol limit for Quebec drivers to 0.05
On the anniversary of their daughter's death, a West Island couple is welcoming a renewed push at the national assembly to lower the blood-alcohol limit in Quebec.
Elizabeth Rivera and Antoine Bittar lost their daughter Jessica to a collision caused by an impaired driver seven years ago. Now they're doing everything they can to reduce the number of these kinds of crashes in the future.
On Tuesday, Quebec Liberal Party transport critic Monsef Derraji ramped up pressure on the CAQ government by tabling a new bill that would impose administrative penalties, such as fines and suspended licences, on drivers as soon as their blood alcohol level reaches 0.05.
Currently in Canada, a blood alcohol level of 0.08 is considered a criminal offence – but all Canadian provinces except Quebec impose penalties at 0.05.
The tightened measure is supported by Quebec's public health institute, CAA Quebec and the Quebec coroner's office.
"Drunk driving shatters lives and sows death, sadness and tragedy in its wake. When it comes to safety, saving lives means doing what's necessary, not just what's popular. With the studies, recommendations and cries from the hearts of bereaved families, the CAQ cannot turn a deaf ear and, consequently, make Quebec look like a failure when it comes to road safety," said Derraji in a statement.
The proposed legislation comes after a motion tabled last month was defeated, with all CAQ MNAs voting against it.
Rivera and Bittar had previously visited Quebec City to testify before a committee on a new road safety law. It was ultimately passed without the measure to lower the blood alcohol limit. The couple say this type of measure would honour the memory of their 26-year-old daughter and make Quebec roads safer.
Jessica Sarli-Rivera was killed by a drunk driver in 2017. (Courtesy: Rivera family)
"It's not easy. It doesn't get easy. What hurts is that people don't understand and the government doesn't understand," said Rivera.
The CAQ said it passed the road safety bill without the measure because the party believes it would make people living in the regions less likely to go out to bars and restaurants.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.