Quebec to introduce new version of medical assistance in dying bill
Quebec's Minister of Health and Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, will table a new version of the bill that aims to expand medical assistance in dying (MAID), next year.
She is taking over the bill from Health Minister Christian Dubé, who failed last June to pass Bill 38, which would have allowed people with Alzheimer's disease, for example, to make an early request.
"The minister will table a new version of the bill on medical assistance in dying," Sarah Bigras, the minister's press secretary, told The Canadian Press on Monday.
She did not specify if this would be done at the beginning of the next parliamentary session, in February, or what changes will be made.
One thing is certain: between now and the "holiday season," Bélanger will meet with the various parties in the assembly, said Bigras. The minister wishes to "work in collaboration" and "exchange with them on this subject."
"This is an important issue for Quebec society and we want to include all political parties in this discussion," added the press secretary.
A lot of work has already been done on the issue of expanding MAID.
The all-party parliamentary committee that analyzed the issue in depth submitted its report in December 2021.
It held 14 days of hearings and heard from about 100 stakeholders and experts, not counting the 80 or so briefs received and the 3,000 members of the public who participated in the online consultation.
Last June, many people mourned the failure of Bill 38.
Dubé had waited until the very end of the spring session to introduce it. He had to urgently withdraw a provision concerning severe neuromotor disabilities.
Due to a lack of time, the MNAs were unable to adopt it.The woman who is considered the "mother" of medical aid in dying, former PQ MNA Véronique Hivon, was very upset and did not hide her great disappointment.
"We would have all fervently hoped to be able to adopt this bill, with all our hearts," she commented at a press conference.
The Quebec Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (QARDD) had invited the members of the legislature to roll up their sleeves and get back to work this fall, once the election was over.
"It shouldn't take a year," said Sandra Demontigny, president of the QARDD, who herself has early onset and hereditary Alzheimer's disease.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press in French on Dec. 5, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.