MONTREAL – Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette said the province’s controversial legislation on assisted dying will become law Thursday.
READ MORE: Quebec appeals ruling on euthanasia law
He made the announcement after Quebec’s top tribunal gave the province the green light to appeal a lower-court ruling that granted an injunction which blocks the bill from taking effect.
READ MORE: A look at right-to-die laws around the world
Lawyers will be in court for that appeal on Friday of next week, although a decision from the bench that day is thought to be unlikely.
READ MORE: What Supreme Court’s assisted suicide decision means for people in pain
The legislation, known as Bill 52, outlines how terminally ill patients in Quebec can end their lives with medical help.
READ MORE: Palliative care residence says ‘no’ to euthanasia
It was passed by the National Assembly 18 months ago, making Quebec the first province to pass such legislation.
READ MORE: Injunction fights Quebec’s right-to-die law
The provincial government argued it’s an extension of end-of-life care and thus a health issue, which falls under provincial jurisdiction.
Comments