QUEBEC CITY — Quebec's government has introduced right-to-die legislation. If the bill passes the province would become Canada's first with a law permitting medically assisted death.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Canada and the federal government has previously said it won't change the criminal code. But a panel of legal experts appointed by Quebec's legislature said in January that provinces have the legal jurisdiction to legislate in matters of health.
A first reading of the bill is taking place Wednesday, just before politicians break for the summer.
Bill 52 outlines the conditions necessary for someone to get medical assistance to die and spells out the requirements necessary before a doctor can accept.
Social Services Minister Veronique Hivon says the people of Quebec want the option.
