On June 2, Rosemère’s municipal council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the Quebec government to ban the sale of energy drinks to youth under 16.
For Mayor Marie‑Elaine Pitre, the issue is not only political – it’s deeply personal.
“Zachary Miron was 15 years old, he was a student at l’Externat Sacré-Cœur, a school in our municipality,” said Pitre. “He passed away in January 2024 during a school outing after consuming a single can of energy drink. The coroner’s report is very clear — the interaction between that drink and his ADHD medication was fatal.”
What has shaken many families in Rosemère is not only the tragedy itself, but the lack of awareness surrounding the risks.
“This revelation has touched us directly,” Pitre continued. “What makes this even more shocking is that this risk is there. The interaction with ADHD medicine and energy drinks is largely unknown. I am a parent with a child who takes these medications, and I was not aware of this potential interaction.”
That personal connection has helped drive the town’s decision to act quickly in order to force the Quebec government’s hand.
A local response with provincial implications
On May 6, 2026, all parties in Quebec’s National Assembly unanimously adopted a motion calling for tighter regulation of energy drinks for minors. But for Rosemère officials, that signal of political will is not enough.
“Parents, trainers, children and health professionals do not know this – it has to change now,” said Pitre.
Through its resolution, the Town of Rosemère is formally urging Quebec to legislate “without delay” to prohibit energy drink sales to those under 16. At the same time, the municipality is moving forward with its own measures by mandating its administration to implement a ban on the sale of energy drinks in municipal sports and recreational facilities.
“The city of Rosemère sees this as support – our goal is really to support them and say that we are with you,” Pitre said. “If this can make its way, we will be very happy.”
The approach reflects a growing sentiment among municipalities that they cannot afford to wait for higher levels of government. The best time to take action is right now.
Community still grieving
The impact of Zachary Miron’s death continues to be felt strongly at l’Externat Sacré-Cœur, where school officials say the loss remains profound.
“The health of our youth is what’s most important,” said principal Jasun Taparauskas. “For l’Externat to lose a student, to lose a teenager, it’s an injury that will never heal in our community.”
Taparauskas described the tragedy as both devastating and galvanizing.
“It’s also the brutal reminder to take action, and I want to thank the city of Rosemère for taking action,” he said. “This gesture is very important for the health of our youth in our community.”
The school has since become an important voice in supporting awareness initiatives and the Zachary Miron Movement, founded by David Miron and Veronica Martinez, the teen’s parents.
“We can’t give up,” Taparauskas added. “We have to continue to be there to support the Zachary Miron movement and his parents.”
Youth voices call for awareness
Among students, the tragedy has sparked conversations about health risks that many say were previously unknown.
Emmy Moreau, student body president at l’Externat Sacré-Cœur, said the impact has been widespread.
“Zachary Miron’s movement has touched our student community immensely, especially the people that were close to him but even the people who weren’t.”
She emphasized that the issue extends beyond one school.
“His story touched all the students of our age group because we weren’t educated on this subject.”
Moreau believes that without increased awareness and regulation, nothing will be fixed.
“This kind of guidance opens our eyes,” she said. “It is important for us to have guidance to be enlightened and to make informed choices. Honestly, I think it’s a good majority that supports this new law. Thank you to the city of Rosemère.”
A family turning grief into action
For Zachary’s father, David Miron, the town’s resolution represents meaningful progress in a broader fight.
“To this entire team, thank you so much for everything you’re doing,” said Miron. “I think this is a very strong gesture.”
He hopes Rosemère’s leadership will inspire other municipalities to follow suit.
Pushing for change beyond Rosemère
Several other countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, and Norway have already banned the sale of energy drinks to minors, Quebec has yet to implement similar legislation.
Rosemère’s decision places it at the forefront of municipal action on the North Shore. By targeting municipal facilities first, the town is setting a precedent for what can be done locally.
For Mayor Pitre, the objective is simple: prevent another tragedy.
“Municipalities have a role to play. We have a responsibility to protect the young people who use our facilities. This is a concrete action, and we hope to inspire other municipalities to do the same,” the Mayor added.
