By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
May 19, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – This year's Canadian Marches for Life, held across the country from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John's Newfoundland, were resoundingly successful, with high participation rates and widespread media attention. Here are some highlights from this year's marches:
VICTORIA, British Columbia – Organizers of the 3rd annual BC March for Life in Victoria on May 13 estimate that at least 2,500 people filled Centennial Square, then marched down Douglas Street to the Legislative Buildings. With the aid of a police escort, the pro-lifers clogged Douglas street, which was closed to traffic for the 30 minute walk.
At the legislative building, a number of guest speakers, including Kamloops Bishop Monroe, Jojo Ruba from the Centre for Bioethical Reform, student activist Minerva Macapagal, Rachel Daniels, and Rev. Dr. Robert Fitterer energized the largely youthful crowd.
For the first time in the three years the event has happened, small graphic images of aborted babies were carried by some participants, in addition to the many signs and banners affirming the right to life of the unborn.
FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – The 10th annual New Brunswick March for Life took place at the NB Legislature on May 13.
The crowd of participants, estimated at about 500, carried signs that read “Thanks Mom for Life” and “Let Babies Live.”
Organizer Peter Ryan, executive director of the New Brunswick Right to Life Association, challenged the government on the number of abortions committed in the province and paid for by medicare, and said that he hopes abortions in New Brunswick hospitals become an issue in the provincial election in September.
“Abortions are being performed on demand … We think there is a violation of the law.”
“We think it is time for the parties to step up and answer the tough questions,” he said.
“We know many members of the legislature have sympathy for the cause of life. We will be asking them and seeing if there is any difference between the parties.”
Jack Carr, Tory MLA for New Maryland-Sunbury West, addressed the crowd and said the vast majority of people in New Brunswick share the values of the pro-life movement.
Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer promised the crowd that he would arrange a meeting between Health Minister Mary Schryer and the New Brunswick Right to Life Association on the issue of abortions in provincial hospitals.
“It is important that we know what is going on and why it is happening in our province,” he said.
Other politicians present at the March for Life included Supply and Services Minister Edward Doherty, Public Safety Minister John Foran, Opposition Leader David Alward, and Saint John-Fundy Liberal MLA Stewart Jamieson who told the gathering that he was proud of the work done by the right to life association.
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – This year's event began with a candlelight prayer vigil held in front of the Victoria General Hospital on South Park St. the evening before the march.
On May 13th about 150 participants marched to the Nova Scotia Legislative buildings where Jennifer Derwey, a young mother and student, gave the keynote address, her presentation being interrupted several times by resounding applause from the listeners.
Inspiring words from Julie Culshaw, a Campaign Life Coalition Nova Scotia (CLCNS) member and 40 Days for Life coordinator, and an uplifting message of encouragement from Ellen Chesal, Executive Director of CLCNS, wrapped up the event.
ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland-Labrador – Spokesman for Pro-Life Newfoundland, Patrick Hanlon, told LifeSiteNews that about 55 people gathered at the Provincial Legislature for this year's March for Life.
After prayers offered by clergy in attendance and the singing of the Newfoundland Anthem, “Ode to Newfoundland,” Hanlon addressed the participants and then moderated an open-mic forum that lasted more than an hour.
Hanlon told LSN that the event was covered by major local media outlets.