Monday, September 14, 2009

On behalf of our President and Board of Directors we would like to communicate a few situations that are facing our nation right now and possibilities for action in speaking to them.

Election 2009?

If you have been watching the media lately, you know that there is a strong possibility of an election in the next few months. The Liberals have made this statement: “The Liberal party cannot support this government any further. We will hold it to account. We will oppose it in Parliament.” An opportunity to see the current government toppled will come as MPs return to Ottawa on the 14 th of September and vote on the fall budget that is being presented on the 21 st of September. We will keep you posted on the news coming out of Ottawa and will be preparing a voting packet much like the one you received less than a year ago.

Bills of Interest:

C-268

This Bill, put forward by Conservative MP Joy Smith in February, speaks to minimum sentences (five years) for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years. C-268 deals specifically with sex trafficking of minors, a global issue that the media is calling the modern day slave trade. It has passed through committee and now faces a final vote at the end of September. If the Bill passes this stage, it will go to the Senate on its way to becoming law.

Please get in touch with your MP and let him/her know that you support minimum sentences for offenses involving the trafficking of minors. Find your MP by clicking here, or more information on this issue, please check out our website.

C-384

This Bill, put forward by Bloc MP Francine Lalonde, deals with the legalization of euthanasia in Canada and specifically with a persons ‘right’ to die with dignity. There are no limits on this bill and if it becomes law, assisted suicide would be legal in almost any situation. Over the summer we saw a real increase in the public opinion of legalized euthanasia and this is a fight that we can’t afford to let up on.

Please take the time to contact your MP and let him/her know how you feel about euthanasia and end of life care in Canada. For more information on this Bill and some of the talking points on it, please see articles posted on our website.