Dying with dignity bill restored by new Quebec government

Quebecs new Liberal government reintroduced the end-of-life care bill today as it was before the election call in March when it was only steps away from its adoption.

When elected in April with a majority government, Premier Philippe Couillardsaid the bill was a priority.

The end-of-life care law would allow some forms of medical aid in dying.

• Quebec's 'dying with dignity' law would set new standards
• The fight for the right to die

Today, Liberal Health Minister Gatan Barrette stood side-by-side with MNAs from the three other parties showing unanimous support for what was known as Bill 52.

"Between the four of us, we think the bill will pass strongly, Barrette said.

Parti Qubcois MNA Vronique Hivon, who was the PQminister behind the original legislation, said the rare show of cooperation across party lines is reassuring.

"We never, never used this bill as a partisan tool. Never," Hivon said.

Montreal to get an inspector-general

The government also tabled another one of its top-priority bills to officially give the city of Montreal an inspector-general.

Denis Gallant has held the position for weeks, but until the bill passes, Gallant cant legally suspend suspicious municipal contracts.

"The powers that he will have are in this bill," said Quebecs municipal affairs minister Pierre Moreau.

• Denis Gallant named Montreal's first inspector-general
• 5 questions with Montreal inspector-general Denis Gallant

Both the inspector-general and end-of-life care bills could be adopted before the session ends in June.

The budget, which is to be tabled in two weeks, is also expected to pass by the summer recess.