Quebec’s well being minister will desk a invoice taking goal on the doubtlessly dangerous results of power drinks on teenagers, however one member of the provincial legislature may block its adoption till after an upcoming basic election this fall.
Maïté Blanchette Vézina, the one member of the Conservative social gathering to carry a seat on the legislature, instructed reporters Thursday that she doesn’t wish to rush laws that might limit or ban the sale of the drinks.
Calls to ban the sale of power drinks to these underneath 16 years outdated grew after the loss of life of 15-year-old Zachary Miron, who died in 2024 after ingesting a can of Pink Bull whereas on ADHD medicine.
A coroner’s report mentioned the mix of his medicine and caffeine probably brought on an arrhythmia that led to his sudden loss of life.
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“My mom and different folks take medicines that work together with grapefruit,” mentioned Blanchette Vézina. “Are we going to ban grapefruit? No.”
Citing knowledge from the Canadian Drinks Affiliation, a foyer group for beverage producers, Blanchette Vézina mentioned power drinks solely account for 11 per cent of the caffeine consumption of teenagers.
She added that she will not be against a ban however needs to proceed debating its deserves within the fall, with a basic election scheduled to be held by Oct. 5.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has mentioned she would attempt to move as many payments as doable earlier than the legislature recesses June 12.
However since unanimous help is required to fast-track the adoption of laws, Blanchette Vézina has the facility to cease the invoice.
Québec Solidaire, the Quebec Liberals and the Parti Québécois have voiced their help for laws to crack down on power drinks.
Québec Solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal mentioned she discovered the Conservatives’ place to be “heartless” and urged Blanchette Vézina to satisfy with Miron’s mother and father.
The push for a ban on the sale of power drinks to youngsters additionally acquired help from mother and father, academics, faculties, faculty boards, public well being associations and several other junior sports activities leagues.
The Familiprix pharmacy chain pulled power drinks from cabinets final month after Quebec’s order of pharmacists voiced its help to limit the sale of power drinks to these aged 16 and over.
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