Quebec proposes first-in-Canada energy drink ban for minors
Health minister to table bill Friday on age-16 restriction, backed by parents of teen who died after mixing Red Bull with ADHD medication.
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Quebec is moving toward becoming the first province in Canada to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 16. Health Minister Sonia Bélanger will introduce the bill Friday, following unanimous support from the National Assembly in May.
The push stems from the death of Zachary Miron, 15, who died in January 2024 after drinking Red Bull on a ski trip. A coroner's report found the caffeine interacted with his ADHD medication, triggering a fatal arrhythmia. His parents have since founded the Zachary Miron Movement, which gathered over 30,000 petition signatures calling for the restriction.
"When we received the coroner's report and read that Zachary's death was linked to the interaction between his medication and the consumption of Red Bull, we realized there was a major issue," said his father, Daniel Miron.
The bill faces political resistance. The Conservative Party, led by Éric Duhaime, has signalled it will block the measure, arguing the province is being populist. Health Minister Bélanger called the opposition "heartless," while Québec solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal invited Duhaime to meet with Zachary's parents.
The Liberal Party and Parti Québécois have already expressed support. With the parliamentary session ending June 12, the government will need all-party backing to fast-track passage.
Energy drinks remain widely consumed by young people — a trend visible across the city every morning.