President's Message

Spring is always a busy time and this one was no exception. There was the unending battle with Bill C-23 (same-sex benefits), our annual meetings and national conference, then without a break, we found ourselves playing "catch up" when we learned of the World March of Women 2000.

Once again, the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, the Canadian coordinator of the March, discriminated against REAL Women. We received no invitation to this March. I suspect that was because they knew we would uncover the real agenda behind it. And that is precisely what we did. We found that the March promotes the imposition of worldwide abortion and the promotion of lesbianism.

We set about informing Christian groups of the true intent of the World March, which was in itself a massive job, but not the only one in which we were engaged. In the midst of this, REAL Women prepared the following briefs for the House of Commons: on March 30, a brief was presented to the Department of Justice, "Child Victims and the Criminal Justice System: A Consultation Paper;" on May 15, a brief on Bill C-32, was presented to the Standing Committee on Finance. (The purpose of this Bill was to implement the federal budget.) We were back in the House again on May 30, presenting a brief on Bill C-19 to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on the International Criminal Court (See "The Frightening International Criminal Court, page 20); and on May 31, we appeared before the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs on the notorious Bill C-23. It was a busy time for us, but we never want to lose an opportunity to place our pro-family perspective before the government, so we make every effort to be available when required.

The first year of the new millennium may prove to be an exciting time not only for REAL Women, but also for all pro-life, pro-family Canadians. A new poll conducted by COMPAS this month found that 55% of Canadians believe it is positive for a political leader to be a devout Christian in private life. The figure shot up to 78% if the leader is respectful of other religious and moral beliefs.

The left-wing secular, humanist media please take note.

REAL Women's philosophy is based on Judeo-Christian values and we have always claimed our views are those of mainstream Canadians. The only reason a socially conservative Prime Minister has not been elected in the past, is the result of not having had one who was ready to stand up for those values. Every Prime Minister for the last generation or two has helped to dismantle the Christian principles upon which this country was founded. It will be interesting to see if the newly elected leader of the Canadian Alliance, Stockwell Day, who is a devout Christian, will be able to withstand the demonisation (by the media) of his pro-life, pro-family views. Please keep him in your prayers.

A federal election is on the horizon. Make sure you know where the party and the candidate for whom you are voting stands on life and family issues. If he/she is not pro-life, don't vote for them. Other important factors to consider are that the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Canadian Alliance (CA) are both bound by the resolutions put forward by grassroots members at their policy meetings, while the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are not. That is, the policies of these two latter parties are subject to change at the whim of their leaders and caucus, whereas we know for better or worse, the position of the NDP and the Canadian Alliance on important issues, if and when we vote for their candidates.

However, the NDP and Canadian Alliance differ significantly on family issues. The NDP has an existing pro-abortion policy, whereas the CA is open to a pro-life citizen initiative. Abortion was legalized under a Liberal government, and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has stated he is proud of his party's pro-abortion track record. The Progressive Conservative Party has consistently supported abortion.

Both the Liberal and Conservative parties, when in power, have allowed the tax system to discriminate against single-income families. Both these parties, as well as the NDP, give lip service to the family, but have supported and pushed legislation to grant special privileges to homosexuals. Remember these facts when you go to the polls to vote, or Canadians will never see pro-family legislation enacted, and pro-family organizations, like ours, will continue to suffer discrimination and will face a never-ending uphill battle.

Whether participating in a political party or voting in an election, when in doubt, call our Ottawa office and get the facts. We're only too glad to be of service.

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