Liberal Party Response

NOTE: We believe that many of the questions in your survey relate to matters that do not lend themselves to simple yes or no answers, especially for a political party representing members with the freedom to hold broadly diverse points of view. We have provided detailed answers that more properly represent the position of the Alberta Liberal Party on these sensitive issues. We would request that the entire response we have submitted be posted upon your website.

1. Alberta Liberals recognize that while some Albertans strongly believe that human life begins at conception, it must also be acknowledged that many other Albertans strongly believe human life begins at birth. At Alberta Liberals, we acknowledge the fact that for many people this is a matter of individual conscience that may be founded on strongly-held religious beliefs. When it comes to this issue, Alberta Liberals respect those that hold beliefs different than their own. When developing public policy in a pluralistic democracy, we must take into account the views of all Albertans - but at the same time we must also respect the law and broker the differing views and interests of all Albertans.

2. Abortion is a difficult and deeply personal decision that must be made by a woman and her doctor. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1989 that all abortions are medically necessary and must be fully funded by provincial health plans; otherwise the province would be in contravention of the Canada Health Act. This is a federal matter, and lobbying efforts for changes to the law in this area must be focused on the federal government. That being said, government must be sure that sufficient funding is available for education services to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the first place.

3. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1989 that all abortions are medically necessary and must be fully funded by provincial health plan; otherwise the province would be in contravention of the Canada Health Act. It must be kept in mind that this is a federal matter, and lobbying efforts for changes to the law in this area must be focused on the federal government.

4. We believe that women should be given all relevant information to assist them in making an informed decision.

5. Please refer to the response in question 3.

6. Please refer to the response in question 2.

7. Yes

8. (a) This is a federal issue that is currently dealt with under the Criminal Code of Canada. Euthanasia is currently prosecutable under federal criminal law, and any changes to euthanasia legislation would require debate at the federal level. Doctor-assisted suicide is an intensely personal, private issue upon which Canadians are deeply divided. We recognize that many Albertans, and particularly seniors, are very strongly opposed to any changes to euthanasia legislation.

8. (b) Please refer to the response in section (a).

8. (c) Alberta Liberals believe that compassionate, cost-effective long-term care must be part of an integrated continuum of care.

9. It is our understanding that many hospitals currently have effective policies in place that respect the varying views of health care professionals. Bill 212 has yet to be introduced into the Legislature for debate. It is our view that once this bill is introduced, all members of the Legislative Assembly will have an opportunity to speak to the bill.

10. Please refer to the response in question 2.

Progressive Conservative Party Response

The Progressive Conservatives have not issued a party response as such. Many of the candidates are submitting variations of the following form letter:

Thank you for taking the time to forward your questionnaire on issues important to Campaign Life Coalition. I am looking forward to discussing these issues and answering these questions as I meet with constituents on an individual basis during the campaign.

I find the questionnaire or a yes/no format does not lend itself to a full discussion of these complex issues. Thank you again for your questionnaire, and I look forward to meeting you in person in the near future.

New Democratic Party Response

The Alberta New Democrats have their stand on abortion (disguised as 'reproductive choice') on their campaign website; ironically under the heading "Women and the family."

Women and the family

Alberta New Democrats support:

· 52 weeks of parental leave - matching federal provisions.
· Cut dicker fees in half for every parent.
· Improved home care and respite care for family members caring for ill family members.
· Women's right to reproductive choice and family planning services, covered by Medicare.