Quebec opens euthanasia debate

The Quebec government will hold roving public consultations onthe question of euthanasia, Health Minister Yves Bolduc announced Thursday following a request from the opposition Parti Qubcois.

The national assembly's standing committee on health and social services will first hear from experts on the issue andprepare a consultation document.

Bolduc acknowledged the issue ofeuthanasia iscomplex.

"There are many elements that we must reflect on, including the definition of terms, end-of-life care and, equally, how we accompany these people," Bolduc said. "We all have the same intention that is to say, that people can die with dignity."

Calling for a provincewide consultation, PQ Leader Pauline Marois said it is time for a non-partisan debate on the issue.

With assisted suicide already permitted under certain circumstances in some U.S. states and European countries, a debate on the delicate question is inevitable in Quebec, Marois said.

"We have recently seen many associations pronounce themselves on the question or the need to have a debate," Marois said.

She pointed to the provinces Federation of Medical Specialists and the Federation of General Practitioners, as well as the Association of Feminine Education and Social Action, which have debated the issue.

The provinces Council for the Rights of the Sick has said the focus should beon improving end-of-life care for the ill.

Though legalizing euthanasia would require changes to the Criminal Code of Canada, Marois said Quebec could pressure Ottawa on the issue ifthere is a provincewide consensus on the question.

At the federal level,the BlocQubcois issupporting a bill that would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, but asecond reading of Bill C-384 isnt expected until the new year.