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Quebecers afflicted with a terminal illness may soon be able to seek the help of a doctor in ending their life.

A panel of legal experts has recommended the provincial government allow what it is calling “medical assistance to die” in rare cases where a patient is close to death and unable to endure the physical or psychological pain — and the Quebec government says it believes it has found a way of not running afoul of Ottawa with the measures.

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Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Canada under the Criminal Code.

However, Quebec junior health minister Veronique Hivon said Tuesday the panel determined that provinces have the legal jurisdiction to legislate in matters of health and that the future Quebec legislation would clarify how acts to end a life wouldn’t be considered suicide.

Hivon said she hopes to present legislation setting out the rules for medically assisted end-of-life procedures in the province before the provincial assembly adjourns for the summer.