Nicholson ignoring the tide
To the Editor:
In anticipation of a fall election the Harper government moved Monday to extinguish the abortion debate when Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced the government will draft a new bill with a milder version to replace Bill C-484, the Unborn Victims of Crime Act. Bill C-484, introduced last year by Tory MP Ken Epp would make it a separate offence for killing an unborn child when a pregnant woman is slain, which in effect acknowledges fetal rights. The bill passed a free vote in parliament in March but now appears doomed.
You have to wonder if Nicholson, the Conservatives, or for that matter any of the political parties are able to perceive the rising tide against abortion in this country. The steadily growing Canadian March for Life (pro-life) hit a new attendance level last May with over 8,000 attending, 75% of which were youth. They are planning a huge rally in 2009 and are expecting well over 10.000. The Campaign Life Coalition recently commissioned a poll of 13,000 respondents where 56% opposed the Morgtentaler Order of Canada. There is clear evidence that in every region of the country public opinion has soured considerably against abortion with 58% in Ontario now against it.
Make no mistake. A new generation is arising infusing new hope for a different kind of Canada. They are challenging the profound social, moral, legal and constitutional revolution that changed the country forty years ago. They have heard the cry for justice and are rejecting the secularist values introduced a generation ago and will lead Canada into a 21st -century revolution. It is they who will force the politicians to listen.
Gerald Hall
Nanoose Bay, B.C.
