Call for Life: The National March for Life Prepares to Take Ottawa (Exclusive)

Key organizers of the National March for Life gathered today in the pouring rain on Parliament Hill to discuss critical issues for tomorrow’s march. The press conference, exclusively covered by RAIR Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for legislative reforms and protection for society’s most vulnerable.

Historical Context and Organizational Background:

The National March for Life marks the controversial passage of the 1969 omnibus bill under Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau that decriminalized abortion. Since its inception in 1998 with only 700 attendees, the march has grown into a major annual event, drawing pro-life supporters from across Canada to Ottawa. This year, the organizers expect a strong turnout for the 27th iteration of the march.

Organized by the Campaign Life Coalition, Canada’s foremost pro-life and pro-family advocacy group, the event aims to galvanize support against Canada’s current stance on abortion, which allows terminations at any stage of pregnancy, and to address the increasing instances of euthanasia and assisted suicide under the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) laws.

Speaker Highlights:

Pete Baklinski, Communications Director

Pete Baklinski of the Campaign Life Coalition highlighted the purpose behind the National March for Life, emphasizing the representation and advocacy for over 4 million preborn children whose lives have been ended by abortion since 1969. He stressed that the focus of the rally is not only on women’s rights but, more critically, on the rights of the unborn child, whom he considers fully human from conception, endowed with the inalienable right to life.

Baklinski reiterated the commitment of the pro-life movement to continue advocating for legal protections for the preborn, aligning with the theme of this year’s march, “I will never forget you.” He underscored the moral duty to remember and honor the victims of abortion, framing them as the greatest victims of a holocaust, integral members of the human community whose lives are profoundly valued.

Additionally, he criticized the current government’s policies on abortion, viewing them as detrimental to the nation’s future. Baklinski’s speech set the stage for further discussions on the anti-life policies by other members of his team.

Josie Luetke, Director of Education & Advocacy

Josie Luetke, the Director of Education & Advocacy, strongly criticized Canada’s lack of legal protections for the preborn, highlighting that the country allows abortions at any stage of pregnancy, funded by taxpayers. She expressed concern over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s aggressive promotion of abortion both domestically and internationally. Luetke noted the government’s significant financial commitment to expanding access to abortion services, including $81 million over six years to enhance sexual and reproductive health services and $700 million annually to support similar initiatives abroad, particularly in African nations where such policies are viewed as foreign imposition.

She pointed to the “It’s My Choice” website funded by the government, which advises on abortion methods, as an example of a culture of death promoted by current policies. Luetke also connected these policies to Canada’s low fertility rate, which she argues is stressing the nation’s social systems and being inadequately addressed through immigration.

Luetke concluded by referencing the changing dynamics in the United States post-Roe v. Wade as a sign that a culture of life is achievable through prioritized life-affirming policies. She voiced a firm commitment to continuing the fight against abortion, echoing the march’s theme, “I will never forget you,” and expressed hope that Canada might see a similar shift towards policies that value life.

Next up was Jack Fonseca, director of political operations. Jack spoke about how the government was rapidly making it a crime to openly speak against government policy, particularly in the case of abortion. But, as we saw during COVID-19, it will become normal to criminalize any opposition to any policy the government deems necessary to impose on us.

Georges Buscemi, President of Quebec Life Coalition.

Georges Buscemi, President of Quebec Life Coalition, addressed the alarming prevalence of euthanasia in Quebec, emphasizing its representation of a societal shift in how we treat the most vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, and severely distressed. He highlighted a distressing case in Quebec where a paraplegic individual chose euthanasia after experiencing severe neglect in an emergency ward, pointing to this as an example of how the so-called right to medical aid in dying can lead to desperate choices.

Buscemi criticized the current government’s policies, accusing them of not only permitting but subtly encouraging the euthanasia of society’s elders. He provided statistics to illustrate the growing trend, noting that nearly 45,000 Canadians were euthanized from 2016 to 2022, with many opting for euthanasia due to psychological distress rather than terminal conditions.

Particularly concerning, he mentioned, was the suggestion of euthanasia to veterans seeking support from Veterans Affairs, framing it as an affront to their service and to our collective humanity. Buscemi called for a strong stand against these trends to reaffirm our commitment to life, dignity, and the genuine care our people deserve.

Ruth Robert, The Atlantic Coordinator

Ms Robert celebrated the closure of Clinic554, a private abortion facility in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She criticized the federal government’s pressure tactics, notably Prime Minister Trudeau’s false claim regarding financial losses to the province, which she highlighted as fearmongering and potentially deceitful.

Robert also praised the local pro-life efforts for encouraging the government to resist funding private abortion clinics and providing support to families and post-abortion care.

“This year, more than ever, we need to stand together and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves,” declared one of the speakers at today’s presser. “We march to demand justice for the 100,000 children aborted annually and to voice our vehement opposition to the tragic toll of MAiD.”

Event Schedule and Broadcasting:

The week of the march has been packed with activities, including the Candlelight Vigil, Rally on the Hill, Rose Dinner, and a Youth Summit to foster a robust pro-life community. For those unable to attend tomorrow’s event in person, it will be broadcast live on EWTN, with additional coverage and discussions through the ‘Life on Film’ series.

Tomorrow’s march promises to be a focal point for pro-life Canadians. It will be a day to unify voices, share powerful testimonies, and challenge the legislative status quo. As the nation looks on, the pro-life movement seeks not just to march but to move hearts and minds toward a greater respect for life at all stages.

Event Details: Rally & March 2024

May 9th | 12:30 -3:30 pm
12noon – Gather on Parliament Hill
12:30 pm – Rally Starts
1:30 pm – March downtown Ottawa
2:30 pm –  Silent No More Awareness Testimonies
3:00 pm Closing Prayer Service: Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute

Live Broadcast On EWTN  – 11:30-3:30 pm

Although the March for Life through the streets of downtown Ottawa is the main attraction, the Rally on Parliament Hill has become equally as important as it gives Canadians an opportunity to hear from political, cultural, and spiritual leaders, motivating them with personal stories, messages of hope and a call to action on how we can restore a culture of life in Canada.

The Rally on the Hill starts at 12:30 pm after the Peace Tower Carillon’s daily performance (Learn more about The Carillon here), and continues until 1:30 pm when the March begins. After the marching, everyone is encouraged to return to the Hill for an impromptu concert performed by our March for Life band, followed by powerful testimonies by the women and men of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign. The program on the Hill wraps up at approximately 4 pm with a closing prayer service led by the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute.

See more here