WATCH ABOVE: Last October, Bill 4-96 was introduced to the National Assembly. Its aim was to bring awareness to the dangers of concussions and reduce the number of head injuries among youth. But with the upcoming election, the bill may die. Rachel Lau reports.
MONTREAL – At just 22 years old, Casey Cook, a McGill football player, is already nursing two concussions.
“You feel a little different, you feel a little shaken up,” he said. “You feel dizzy. You have a headache, you feel nauseous, you feel like vomiting almost.”
Last October, Bill 496 was introduced in the National Assembly. The bill aims to bring awareness to the dangers of concussions and reduce the number of head injuries among youth.
“I see them suffer on for weeks and months, having difficulties in school, missing exams, having to do another semester, do another year because they weren’t managed appropriately,” said Scott Delaney, a medical expert with the MUHC.
There’s a problem, though. If the PQ calls an election before the bill is passed — and it’s rumoured Quebecers may go to the polls as early as April — then the bill will die on paper.
“Parents are asking for it, athletes are asking for it, doctors are asking for it,” said Kathleen Weil, the Liberal MP who brought Bill 496 to the table. “They dropped the ball on this issue and it’s really, for me personally disappointing.”
Some McGill students aren’t waiting for the verdict any longer. They are organizing a conference on the issue that they hope will help push the bill along.
“Concussions are also kind of called the silent injury,” said football player Eran Gerstein. “You can’t see them, you don’t really know if someone is concussed, so it’s very important to kind of get the awareness out.”
Weil insists she hasn’t give up hope yet.
She’s launched this online petition to try to get the bill passed as soon as possible – and she’s urging everyone to sign it.
“This issue is important for all Quebecers and families and for parents and we don’t want to let them down, we’re not going to let them down. We’re going to keep pushing for better protection for our youth athletes.”
Delaney agrees with Weil. He argues even if they have to start over – after an election – it’ll be worth it.
“Schools should have in place, before the school year starts, concussion programs such that parents and athletes and students are aware of the signs and symptoms,” he said.
With spring training about to start next week, Cook is hoping to start camp with some good news from the National Assembly.
“It’s all about awareness, it’s all about getting the message out there to coaches and athletes and trainers,” he said.
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