With the calling of the election, Canadians can now look forward to a vigorous debate on numerous pieces of legislation that were left on the table due to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to send us to the polls on September 20. The government pulled the plug on legislation that raised serious concerns among many Canadians.
“The Liberal government has systematically undermined the fundamental freedoms we have come to cherish in Canada,” said ARPA’s Executive Director Mark Penninga. “We’ve been disappointed by the steady stream of bills that bring in disrepute principles of freedom of expression, parental rights, and even the inviolable right to life in this last parliament.”
In particular, ARPA Canada is very concerned with the Liberals trio of ongoing and highly politicized bills which all tread on the fundamental freedoms of conscience and free expression: Bill C-6 banning so-called ‘conversion therapy', Bill C-10 regulating online content, and now Bill C-36 targeting expression vaguely described as ‘hate.’
“Under this current government Canadians have observed attempts to pass legislation that undermines the foundation upon which Canadians of all backgrounds can pursue a life of freedom and true human flourishing,” continued Penninga.
“With the announcement that we are heading to the polls we are looking forward to all the political parties engaging in serious debate about their visions for Canada,” said Penninga.
“In addition, we will be anticipating Erin O’Toole to clearly outline what he will do if given the mandate to govern, specifically as it relates to the rapid expansion of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada,” said Penninga.
The passage of Bill C-7 in March, which expanded Canada’s medical assistance in dying regime, extended euthanasia to people with disabilities and mental illness.
“These issues are far from settled in the minds of Canadians and it is our hope and prayer that through the course of this election campaign we will see clearly how each of the political parties wants to shape Canada,” concluded Penninga.
-- ARPA (Association for Reformed Political Action)
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
