‘Dying with dignity’ bill restored by new Quebec government
Parties unanimously support bringing back the end-of-life care bill that was stalled due to spring election
Quebec’s new Liberal government reintroduced the end-of-life care bill today as it was before the election call in March — when it was only steps away from its adoption.
When elected in April with a majority government, Premier Philippe Couillard said the bill was a priority.
The end-of-life care law would allow some forms of medical aid in dying.
Today, Liberal Health Minister Gaétan Barrette stood side-by-side with MNAs from the three other parties — showing unanimous support for what was known as Bill 52.
"Between the four of us, we think the bill will pass strongly,” Barrette said.
Parti Québécois MNA Véronique Hivon, who was the PQ minister behind the original legislation, said the rare show of cooperation across party lines is reassuring.
"We never, never used this bill as a partisan tool. Never," Hivon said.
Montreal to get an inspector-general
The government also tabled another one of its top-priority bills — to officially give the city of Montreal an inspector-general.
Denis Gallant has held the position for weeks, but until the bill passes, Gallant can’t legally suspend suspicious municipal contracts.
"The powers that he will have are in this bill," said Quebec’s municipal affairs minister Pierre Moreau.
- Denis Gallant named Montreal's first inspector-general
- 5 questions with Montreal inspector-general Denis Gallant
Both the inspector-general and end-of-life care bills could be adopted before the session ends in June.
The budget, which is to be tabled in two weeks, is also expected to pass by the summer recess.