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2004 FEDERAL ELECTION
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

1. THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE

i) The Definition of Marriage

Marriage has been defined as the union of one man and one woman since time immemorial across all religions, cultures and societies. It is a universally recognized institution firmly grounded in Canada's social and legal tradition. Marriage, the union of one man and one woman is the foundation for the family and the cornerstone of society.

Marriage must be singled out from all other adult relationships because of its unique service to society. Marriage provides the basis of natural family life, which is the best environment for procreating and raising children for society's future. Giving non-marital relationships the same status as marriage does not expand the definition of marriage. It destroys it.

The word "marriage" refers specifically to the joining of two people of the opposite sex. When that is lost, the word "marriage" becomes meaningless. Legalizing same-sex marriage will reduce marriage to a relationship based on "feelings" ignoring the crucial role that marriage contributes to society by the birth and raising of children. Marriage will eventually become just another living arrangement between any two people with no special meaning or significance in society. There can be no compromise on this issue.

Question:

If elected, would you support the definition of marriage as was overwhelmingly approved by Parliament on June 8, 1999 "as the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others"?

ii) Preserving the Definition of Marriage

Nowhere else in the world has a court ruled that the heterosexual definition of marriage violates human rights, except for the state of Massachusetts which adopted the Canadian ruling. It is Parliament's responsibility to determine public social policy not the unelected courts.

Question:

If elected, would you support Parliament invoking Section 33 of the Charter of Rights, the notwithstanding clause, to preserve and protect the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman?

2. FAIR FAMILY TAXATION

i) Single Income Families

Under the current tax system, a single income family is taxed more heavily than a double income family with the same income level. This is due to the fact that income tax is based on individual income rather than family income. Each individual working spouse is taxed on his/her individual income, but a single income family, even though it may have the same total family income as that of a double income family, is taxed at a higher rate.

Government must create tax fairness for families by eliminating inequities between single and dual income families by allowing the single income family to split the family income, to file separate income tax returns or by allowing joint tax filing. This would give the single income family the same tax advantages that the dual income family now enjoys. Tax policy based on total family income is already in place regarding the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the GST credit.

Question:

If elected, would you support eliminating the inequalities between single and dual income families by allowing a system of income splitting or joint tax filing?

ii) Child Care Benefits

The Child Care Expense Deduction is extended to parents with children in substitute care. It allows a deduction of up to $5,000 a year for each child under the age of seven and up to $3,000 for children between 7 and 16 years of age. The single income family with one spouse at home caring for the child is not allowed this deduction.

Government policy should remain neutral on parent's child care choices and fund each choice fairly and equitably. All children are of equal value, and their care should be so treated in law.

Question:

If elected, would you support legislation to extend the child care deduction by way of a refundable tax credit to all parents, including those with children cared for at home?

3. PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

i) Abortion:

Canada is the only nation in the western world that provides no protection whatever for the unborn child. Quite literally, an abortion may legally be performed in Canada at any time during the course of a pregnancy. Society must value equally every family member, born and unborn.

In a democracy, there is the principle of equality of rights, opportunity and treatment for all. The unborn child must, therefore, be protected. We cannot arbitrarily take away the rights of one group of human beings without setting a precedent for the withdrawal of rights and protection from other categories of human beings. Doing so opens the door to attacks on other vulnerable members of the family, such as the aged, and the mentally and physically disabled.

Question:

Do you support the protection of human life from the moment of conception to natural death?

ii) Child Pornography Legislation

Legislation proposed by the Liberal government would allow an exemption to the law by replacing the defence of "artistic merit" with the defence of "serving the public good". There is NO public good in child pornography. Period. There is also NO artistic merit in child pornography. Period. Any and all child pornography must be illegal. Period.

Convicted British Columbia child pornographer John Robin Sharpe has praised the proposed legislation stating "it sets a radical precedent in criminal law" by allowing the accused some "unintended opportunities to mount a legal defence." His support of the government proposal proves the inadequacy of the legislation.

Question:

If elected, would you support legislation to outlaw the production, possession and distribution of all child pornography?

iii) Age of Consent for Sexual Activity

The age of consent for sexual activity between adults and youths is 14 years of age, one of the lowest ages of consent in the western world. This makes no sense at all. A 14 year old youth cannot purchase alcohol or cigarettes, cannot vote or legally drive a car, and is protected under our criminal justice system until 18 years of age.

Question:

If elected, would you support legislation to raise the age of consent for sexual activity to at least 16 years of age?

4. LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

The Liberal government proposes the decriminalization of possession of 15 grams of marijuana. This amount is far in excess of the three grams permitted in Belgium, one of the most permissive countries in the world. Scientific evidence indicates that marijuana use is hazardous to health and is addictive. The Canadian Medical Association has denounced the use of marijuana for medical reasons because there is no proof that it provides any medical benefit.

Question:

If elected, would you oppose the decriminalization of marijuana?

5. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP FUNDING

Each year the federal government gives grants and contributions to numerous special interest groups including businesses, labour unions, sport and lobby groups such as radical feminist organizations, Planned Parenthood and day care advocacy groups. In order to provide a level playing field for all groups, and to avoid discrimination as well as decrease unnecessary government spending, the government should stop all special interest funding.

Question:

If elected, would you vote against the funding of any special interest group?

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