Ron Ghitter: Abortion Clinics, Si! Christian Schools NO!
Ron Ghitter, one of three contenders for the Alberta Tory leadership opened his Edmonton campaign office on August 13. Around 400 conservatives (and a handful of Liberals in Tory colours) gathered in a warehouse overlooking a cemetery to meet the candidate and to listen to his platform.
A former MLA for Calgary Buffalo, Mr. Ghitter now practiced law in Calgary. He is most recently known as the chairman of the Ministry of Education’s Committee on Tolerance and Understanding. (See Interim, September issue)
Mr. Ghitter moved round the room meeting people. He was asked the following question: “If a free-standing abortion clinic were to be established in Alberta by Dr. Morgentaler or one of his colleagues, what action, if any, would a government under your leadership take?”
Mr. Ghitter said that he would take it to caucus and ask them to ascertain what their constituents wanted. “I would only do what people wanted. It’s a matter of conscience,” he said. He went on to explain that the Province had some discretion in the application of the Criminal Code. When asked if he would direct his Attorney General to prosecute he responded, “I’m not the kind of man who directs.” With a flashing grin and a firm meaningful handshake (he used both hands) he moved on.
His next questioner raised the matter of an independent school in Calgary whose principal, Pastor Larry Jones, has just been prosecuted for running an illegal (i.e. unregistered) school in his church basement. What would Mr. Ghitter, if he were Premier, do about Pastor Jones’ illegal Christian Academy?
Mr. Ghitter’s response came with no hesitation. “I would close him down.”
