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Quebec assisted dying law takes effect Thursday following lengthy legal battle

MONTREAL – Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette said the province’s controversial legislation on assisted dying will become law Thursday.

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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.

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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.

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The legislation, known as Bill 52, outlines how terminally ill patients in Quebec can end their lives with medical help.

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It was passed by the National Assembly 18 months ago, making Quebec the first province to pass such legislation.

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The provincial government argued it’s an extension of end-of-life care and thus a health issue, which falls under provincial jurisdiction.

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