By Alex Bush

May 21, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Marc Cardinal Ouellet, Primate of the Church of Canada, spoke strongly at the March for Life in Ottawa last week, stating that Canada “is at the lowest rung of the ladder when it comes to the protection of the most fragile human beings.” LifeSiteNews.com has obtained a translated transcript of the Cardinal’s remarks, which is available here: https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/may/09052108.html

“After forty years of exile from the culture of life, we come on Parliament hill to claim the return of the right to life of the human being in gestation in Canada. If our country is envied throughout the world in many respects, it is at the lowest rung of the ladder when it comes to the protection of the most fragile human beings, those who are not yet born,” he said.

“We cannot remain silent before this injustice and this violation of the first human right that is the right to life. This right is disregarded in our country more than anywhere else in the western world. This is sad, shameful and unacceptable for the moral conscience of humanity and for the reputation of our country.”

Cardinal Ouellet delivered his speech to the 12,000 gathered at the March For Life in Ottawa last week, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Omnibus Bill that made abortion legal in Canada.

The Cardinal urged “our representatives in Parliament, who assume the task of administrating justice and the common good, to adopt or amend laws so as to protect life instead of eliminating it.”

“The legal vacuum in this area facilitates the decline of values, the darkening of moral conscience and the proliferation of violence,” he said.

Cardinal Ouellet also called on all Canadians to “react to the moral crisis that our country is experiencing with regards to values and the right to life.”

“The time has come to take a stand and to reclaim justice for the victims. The time has come to act for a return of the Culture of life.”

The Cardinal pointed out that women who are “faced with a difficult pregnancy” cannot be ignored. “Let us multiply the initiatives to come to the aid of women in distress, who are in need of counsel and support,” he continued, “Let us also help women who are hurt by a painful experience of abortion and who have difficulty regaining their well-being, morally and psychologically.”

“The taboo of having known the serious consequences of abortion must cease and objective information must be offered women in such situations and their partners,” he said.

Cardinal Ouellet expressed his thanks to the group of marchers, saying, “I congratulate and thank you for manifesting today for this noble cause. Your courageous and persevering commitment prepares a better future for our families and our society. For the family is the privileged place to welcome and protect human life.”