Marilynn Seguine Award for the person who has achieved much in their country for their national right-to-die movement, the Committee agreed Maitre Jean-Pierre Menard of Quebec in Canada was a worthy winner
During the Gala dinner to celebrate a most successful conference in Dublin, Federation President, Asun Alvarez announced the winner of the Marilynn Seguine award for 2024. In presenting the award she said,
” 6 nominations were received. The deliberations in the Committee resulted in the following individual to be awarded:
A graduate of Legal Sciences and admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1980. He specialized in medical law, and particularly in medical liability and forensic psychiatry, in the defense of users of the health care system and protecting vulnerable people.
His most significant achievement in the assisted dying landscape, was his work in the Truchon decision. He was successful in receiving a judgement from the Superior Court of Quebec in Truchon regarding Gladu vs. Canada, which resulted in the removal of the not reasonably foreseeable eligibility requirement in Canadaâs MAID law.
Since 2009, he has contributed significantly to the public debate on medical assistance in dying. He was Chair of the Expert Legal Panel that recommended in 2013 that Quebec allow medical assistance in dying. He is frequently called upon to give lectures and participate in seminars, both for the health and the legal communities. He is the author of several publications concerning health law.
He has several publications and has received several distinctions and awards for his commitment to the defense of the rights of vulnerable people, for his commitment to defending the rights of users of the health care system, and for his actions which have put forward knowledge, promotion and respect for citizensâ rights in health matters. To mention a few, he received the Saint-Yves medal awarded by Pro Bono QuĂ©bec, in recognition of the exceptional contribution of a lawyer in terms of pro bono legal services and in 2020 he was made an Officer in the Ordre National Du QuĂ©bec for his work on behalf of those using the QuĂ©bec health care system.
That is why it was decided to honour Maitre Jean-Pierre Menard with the 2024 Marilynne Seguine Award”
Canada