“In a democracy every one of us is responsible for every law. In a democracy every one of us is responsible for an unjust law. And as Christians we have the moral obligation to do all we can to change those unjust laws.” (Mr. Woodworth, speaking to the audience in Lethbridge Alberta).

MP Stephen Woodworth, the author of Motion 312 which is coming to a vote in the House of Commons, was hosted by ARPA groups in Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Barrhead last week, making the case for his motion that asks for a Parliamentary committee to study the Criminal Code’s definition of human life. Lethbridge and Edmonton saw large crowds of about 200 people each, drawing from their respective communities as well. MPs Jim Hillyer, Rob Merrifield, Brian Storseth and long-term conservative publisher and leader Link Byfield were some of the leaders who made a point of coming to these events.

Jacqueline Hamoen, from Barrhead/Neerlandia ARPA, took the lead in having Mr. Woodworth speak. After taking in two of his presentations she commented that Mr. Woodworth is a powerful speaker. “My favorite line from him went something like this: ‘I may have planted this motion but, I can not do this on my own. Now it is your turn to go out and pass the word talk with your neighbor, your friends, your fellow church members and get them involved. Call your MP’s, even those who are not your MP”s but live close to you, visit them, send letters. Remember that the second best thing to a motion is “presenting the motion and not succeeding”. The motion has been placed in the ears of society and will not be forgotten.'”

Mr. Woodworth acknowledged that it is not likely his motion will pass. But that does not deter him from encouraging us to promote it as much as possible as much of the value comes from educating society about Canada’s absence of legal protection for the unborn.

ARPA Canada strongly encourages our readers to use this opportunity to also be in touch with our MPs, making it clear that it is absurd to have a law that says a human being does not come into existence until it is completely born (click here for an EasyMail letter). A bill does not have to pass to accomplish something valuable. Step by step, we can work to protect all Canadians equally under the law.

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The ARPA chapters from Barrhead/Neerlandia, Edmonton and Southern Alberta invite you to meet Kitchener MP Stephen Woodworth on August 21st-23rd and learn more more about why he brought Motion 312 to Parliament. The motion aims to start a parliamentary committee to study when human life begins. Right now unborn babies are unprotected in Canada up to the moment of birth because they are not considered a human being until they are born. Mr. Woodworth will explain what is all involved in his motion and he welcomes your questions and comments.

ARPA has been pushing for new legislation to restrict abortion in our country and this motion is a good opportunity to give a clear signal that the unborn need protection. For more information see also: www.weneedalaw.ca

Lethbridge: Trinity United Reformed Church Hall: 7:00pm on August 21,2012
Edmonton: Immanuel Canadian Reformed Church: 7:00pm on August 22,2012

Barrhead: Senior Drop-in-center: @7:00, August 23, 2012

For more information contact: Jacqueline Hamoen, [email protected]

ABOUT STEPHEN WOODWORTH

Stephen has represented the voters in Kitchener-Centre faithfully since being elected as their MP in 2008. In addition to serving on the House of Commons’ Justice and Environment committees, Stephen has always made a point of being accessible to his constituents, both in and outside the office. He has attended hundreds of community events since being elected, to get to know constituents and to demonstrate support for the work done by our many excellent community groups. Stephen has hosted a pre-budget town hall meeting, a budget round table, two New Years Levees, and six passport clinics.

Prior to being elected Stephen practiced law in Kitchener for almost 30 years, providing quality, affordable legal assistance to thousands of Canadians. He is grateful for the trust that many of his friends and neighbors have placed in his experience and judgment. Before completing his law degree in 1977, Stephen attended Wilfrid Laurier University, paying for tuition by working on assembly lines at MTD Products and Budd Automotive (known later as Kitchener Frame).

Over the years Stephen has also had the privilege of assisting many local organizations as a Board member or advisor. He was elected a School Trustee in Kitchener in 1994, 1997 and 2000, served on the board of Big Brothers, volunteered regularly with the Knights of Columbus and has been a lector at his church since 1967.

Stephen met his wife Sharon during law school at the University of Western Ontario. They were married in 1976 and have been blessed with three wonderful children, Nathan, Adam, and Laura, and live in Kitchener, where Stephen was born and raised.

Motion 312 asks that:

the special committee present its final report to the House of Commons within 10 months after the adoption of this motion with answers to the following questions,

(i) what medical evidence exists to demonstrate that a child is or is not a human being before the moment of complete birth?,

(ii) is the preponderance of medical evidence consistent with the declaration in Subsection 223(1) that a child is only a human being at the moment of complete birth?,

(iii) what are the legal impact and consequences of Subsection 223(1) on the fundamental human rights of a child before the moment of complete birth?,

(iv) what are the options available to Parliament in the exercise of its legislative authority in accordance with the Constitution and decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada to affirm, amend, or replace Subsection 223(1)?