A handful of organizations are set to speak on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Quebec City regarding Bill 9, which aims to ban energy drinks for those under 16.
The public hearings are being held at the request of the Quebec Conservative Party (PCQ), which has said that it opposes the fast-track adoption of the legislation and called for some debate.
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Bill 9 was introduced last Friday by Health Minister Sonia Bélanger in response to the heartfelt plea of the parents of Zachary Miron, who died in 2024 at the age of 15 after drinking a Red Bull.
The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government has actually had a report from experts recommending a ban on energy drinks for minors since 2023.
However, the party waited until the very end of its mandate to act.
Nevertheless, the measure has broad support in the National Assembly, with only Conservative MNA Maïté Blanchette Vézina expressing reservations echoed by some of the industry’s arguments.
The Rimouski representative notably asked at a press conference whether the government would also ban grapefruit, given that it can interact with medications.Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger introduced a bill on Friday to ban energy drinks for those under the age of 16.
An agreement was finally reached on Friday evening: the PCQ would stop threatening to block the bill if the government agreed to hold consultations.
As a result, the National Institute of Public Health, the Order of Pharmacists, the College of Physicians, the Association of Cardiologists and the Canadian Beverage Association have been invited to speak on Tuesday.
In a newsletter sent to its members on Friday, the College of Physicians firmly sided with the government.
“The death of young Zachary Miron has highlighted the risks of an interaction between caffeinated energy drinks (…) and psychostimulants prescribed for ADHD.
“Energy drinks can lead to serious effects, ranging from tachycardia to seizures and even death.
“The Quebec government wants to ban the consumption of energy drinks by young people. (…) Our professional association welcomes this initiative,” it wrote.The Quebec government’s proposed ban on energy drinks for those under 16 appears to soon become law after a lone voice initially opposed.
On Monday, the PCQ announced it would also submit a brief to the committee tasked with reviewing Bill 9.
The party said it will specifically request “an explicit comparison between the age thresholds of 16 and 18, an examination of the composition of energy drinks and a review after three years.”
“Quebecers deserve better than an incomplete answer. Before imposing a ban, the government must demonstrate that it will be truly effective,” said PCQ Leader Éric Duhaime.
