The passing of Bill C-169 on October 25, 1983, appears to be a concerted attempt, on the part of the three Federal parties, to muzzle free speech during future elections. The substance of the Bill has been examined and explained in previous issues of The Interim, so I presume that readers are aware of its contents.
It is couched in the usual legalistic terms, which only legal people understand fully, but, with a little help, most of us can grasp its more obvious implications. From my reading, I gather that Canadian citizens are so effectively gagged that it would be impossible to challenge any candidate during the 60 days of the election period without risking a fine of up to $5,000 or a 5-year jail term.
What can we do?
The National Citizens’ Coalition has commenced legal proceedings, arguing that the Bill contravenes the Charter of Rights. We hope and pray that they may succeed in restoring some of our freedom of speech and action which has been so outrageously denied by this Bill. But, suppose they do not succeed. Is there anything we can do to have our principles at least heard? I thing there is.
The law does not take effect until an election has been declared and an election has not
yet been declared. So there is some time at your disposal to challenge your candidates on
any issue you please, particularly on how they stand on the biggest issue of all – the
protection of the unborn. I strongly suggest that all who profess to be pro-life take the
time either to phone or write to their candidates, asking them where they stand – or sit –
on this paramount question. I they reply saying how much they appreciate your letter or
call but give “both sides” of the question and explain that the matter is so complex that it
is impossible to solve it in the present “political climate,” don’t let them get away with
such meaningless and insulting jargon.
No “ifs” and “buts”
I have had such letters from the Prime Minister on down, and they all add up to one big “zero.” The only effective reaction is to write back saying that the issue of abortion is just about as complicated as the issues of murder, rape, or bank robbery! In reply to the question, “What is your stand on the issue of rape?” would the candidate be prepared to stand before an assembly of women and say, “Well, I think it is a very complex question,
and in certain circumstances I think that rape should be both legal and justified.” On the
question of killing an innocent human being there are no “ifs” or “buts.” Your candidate
is either for or against abortion and make him or her say which. If any candidates refuse
to give a definite answer, tell them that “fence-sitters” on the most vital issue of the
century – in the words of the Gospel – deserve to be vomited out of the mouth. You will
probably get the usual “single-issue politics” bilge. Well, over one million dead
Canadians in fifteen years is a very “Multiple” issue.
