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Quebec health minister to table bill to protect teens from energy drinks
The bill follows a coroner’s finding that a 15-year-old’s ADHD medication and caffeine likely caused a fatal arrhythmia.
- On Friday, Health Minister Sonia Bélanger tabled legislation restricting energy drink sales to those under 16, but Maïté Blanchette Vézina, the legislature's sole Conservative MNA, threatens to block the bill's fast-tracked adoption.
- The 2024 death of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who died after a Red Bull drink interacted with his ADHD medication, spurred widespread public support from parents and health groups for a ban.
- Blanchette Vézina opposes 'rushing' the bill, citing Canadian Beverages Association data that energy drinks provide only 11 per cent of teen caffeine, though critics called her position 'heartless' and 'rather demagogic'.
- Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant urged Blanchette Vézina to 'listen to the medical evidence' and support the measure, noting the government requires unanimous consent before the assembly recesses June 12.
- With a general election scheduled by Oct. 5, the government faces a tight deadline to complete its legislative agenda, leaving the bill's fate uncertain if Blanchette Vézina maintains her refusal to fast-track.
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35 Articles
35 Articles
Quebec health minister set to table bill to protect teens from energy drinks
Quebec’s health minister is set to table a bill taking aim at the potentially harmful effects of energy drinks on teens, but one member of the provincial legislature could block its adoption until after an upcoming general election this fall.
·Canada
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The Toronto Star+24 Reposted by 24 other sources
Quebec health minister to table bill to protect teens from energy drinks
QUÉBEC - Quebec’s health minister is set to table a bill taking aim at the potentially harmful effects of energy drinks on teens, but one member of the provincial legislature
·Toronto, Canada
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The Conservative Party of Quebec is openly criticized after announcing that it opposes the bill that will prohibit the sale of products to young people.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources35
Leaning Left23Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution74% Left
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources lean Left
74% Left
L 74%
C 19%
Factuality
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