Marie-Ève Arbour
Abstract
Treatment refusal, when resulting from a choice based on certain religious principles requires a study of the effect of the Charters of human rights and freedoms into the obligation to reduce the harm that is imposed on any victim. To lay down the parameters of such an obligation, the author analyzes the effects of various cases of refusal to afford treatment in light of rules from private and public law. Owing to the rather small number of precedents dealing with this issue, she seeks inspiration from foreign jurisdictions so as to forge a proposed method for interpreting provisions adapted to the specifics of Québec and Canadian law. The author does reach the conclusion that resorting to constitutional exemption is sometimes a necessity in order to respect freedoms of conscience and religion.
Arbour M-È. L’incidence du refus de traitement sur le droit à l’indemnisation de la victime d’un préjudice corporel: pour une interprétation conforme au respect des libertés de conscience et de religion. Les Cahiers de Droit. 2000;41(4):627-655.