Health Minister Sonia Bélanger introduced a bill on Friday to ban energy drinks for those under 16.
All parties in the National Assembly support his approach, with the exception of independent MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina, who has been associated with the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) since March.
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However, the support of all parliamentarians is needed to adopt the legislation on an expedited basis before the end of the session scheduled for June 12.
Bill 9 is intended as a response to the heartfelt plea of the parents of Zachary Miron, a young man who died in 2024 at the age of 15, after the Red Bull he drank interacted with his ADHD medication.
In recent months, many actors in society, whether in the education, sports or health networks, have mobilized to support the Zachary Miron Movement.
A citizen petition signed by more than 35,000 people was submitted to the National Assembly last month.
The bill tabled on Friday aims to “prevent the harmful effects of energy drinks on the health of young people”
Specifically, it prohibits anyone from selling energy drinks to a person under the age of 16. It also prohibits a young person under the age of 16 from buying such drinks for themselves or for others.
The bill defines an energy drink as a beverage that has a caffeine concentration of at least 150 mg/l and contains other ingredients, such as taurine, vitamins or minerals.
After the document was tabled in the House, Bélanger, visibly moved, greeted Zachary’s parents, David Biron and Veronica Martinez, who were present in the galleries.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
