Véronique Hivon on Bill 52 to legalize medically assisted dying

As Quebec pushes ahead on its controversial legislation to allow medically assisted death for the first time in Canada , we have a feature interview with Véronique Hivon, the minister responsible for the bill. She feels the public and physicians are ready for better end-of-life care but opposition from religious groups and legal experts say the province is overstepping its jurisdiction.

I've learned that no subject can be taboo. I've learned about the society in Quebec, that we are quite mature to be able to discuss such sensitive issues.Quebec Minister Véronique Hivon

Again, the country is watching closely. When the National Assembly resumes sitting next month, the provincial government will be in a position to adopt Bill 52: An Act Respecting End-of-Life Care. If passed, it will legalize "medically assisted dying" for the first time in Canada.

Véronique Hivon introduced the bill. She is Quebec's Minister for Social Services and Youth Protection, and she has been a Parti Québécois representative for Joliette since 2008. Véronique Hivon was in Joliette, Quebec.

What are your thoughts on Quebec's bill to legalize medically assisted dying?

Tweet us @thecurrentcbc with the hashtag #thecurrentmtl to tweet about any of conversations from Montreal. Or e-mail us through our website. Call us toll-free at 1 877 287 7366. And as always if you missed anything on The Current, grab a podcast.

Our Montreal special was produced by The Current's Kristin Nelson and Montreal Network Producer Susan McKenzie.

From The Current Archives

The medical and moral issues raised by euthanasia

Death and the Law in Oregon