Below is a copy of Alberta Pro-Life Association's (APL) email update on Life Issues across Canada. Further, the latest edition of APL's newsletter can be seen at http://www.albertaprolife.com/alberta/rose/sept_2007.pdf .
E-Update - October 16, 2008
Linda Gibbons arrested again
Toronto pro-life activist Linda Gibbons, who was acquitted just two weeks ago, returned to pray outside the Scott abortion clinic in Toronto on October 8th and was arrested. She appeared in court this week and was remanded to October 21st. Mrs. Gibbons, a 60 year-old grandmother, was charged with violating a court order, that being the “temporary injunction” imposed 14 years ago by the former NDP government. Mrs. Gibbons was acquitted two weeks ago because the judge said her peaceful protest could not be construed as obstruction. The police and Crown have always avoided charges under the court order because it might be found at trial to be unconstitutional. Mrs. Gibbons may finally get her chance to have the case heard by a jury. She has served 75 months in jail over the past 14 years for her peaceful protests outside abortion clinics.
It’s another Conservative minority government
Prime Minister Stephen (I won’t reopen the abortion debate) Harper strengthened his position in Parliament but still fell 12 seats shy of a majority government. As usual, there were a number of pro-life MPs elected but it is difficult to see what difference their presence will make if all the party leaders are content with Canada’s radical pro-abortion policies. The final tally is 143 seats for the Conservatives, 76 Liberals, 37 NDP and the Bloc Quebecois with 50 and two independents. Life issues were not part of any mainstream party’s agenda. Only the Christian Heritage Party is officially pro-life.
Cardinal Ouellet says spiritual vacuum is bad for Quebec
The Primate of the Catholic Church in Canada, Cardinal Mark Ouellet, wrote in an Italian newspaper last week that the anti-Catholic mentality in Quebec, partly fostered by the media, has led to a religious and cultural breakdown in the province. "Hence the confusion of our youths, the dramatic drop in marriages, the very low birth rate and the alarming number of abortions and suicides. The crisis in values and the search for meaning are profound and urgent problems in Quebec that are even having serious repercussions on public health that have led to considerable costs on the health-care system." He said the province is ripe for re-evangelization and urged Catholics to get involved.
Chauvin court challenge to OC award
Frank Chauvin, one of the Order of Canada recipients who has notified the Governor General’s office that he will be returning his award, has launched a legal challenge against the advisory council that recommended Henry Morgentaler for the award. The announcement was made the same day Morgentaler’s award was presented in Quebec City last week. Mr. Chauvin has not yet returned his medal because as long as he has it, he has standing in the case as a member of the Order of Canada. Mr. Chauvin is asking the court to rescind the award because the council did not follow the criteria established for recipients and also because Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin should have recused herself from the process since Henry Morgentaler has a case before the court in New Brunswick which could end up in the Supreme Court of Canada, the court she oversees. Last week, a former Supreme Court justice, Louise Arbour, also received an Order of Canada award, and she enthusiastically endorsed the Morgentaler appointment. I suppose we should celebrate the fact that she is no longer on the bench.
Looking for great pro-life Christmas gifts?
I know it’s early but some people actually start their Christmas shopping before December 15th. We’ve got the 2009 Pro-Life calendars sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and displaying artwork by high school students. These make great stocking stuffers. Also, we’ve got our very popular “unaborted” clothing line, T-shirts and hoodies in great colours and a variety of designs. If you are interested in calendars or “unaborted” stuff, call our office at 780-421-7747 or toll free at 1-877-880-5433.
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