For immediate release
On Thursday, May 12th thousands will rally at the parliament buildings in Victoria to remind the Government of British Columbia of their duty to use every possible means in their power to prevent the killing of innocent people.
“Canada has become one of a few countries in the world to legalize doctor assisted suicide and euthanasia. With the inevitable passage of Bill C-14, Canadians are faced with uncertainty about how this new reality will unfold in their own lives, and the lives of their loved ones,” said Mike Schouten, one of the organizers of the rally.
While the Federal government has implemented euthanasia and doctor assisted suicide, there are many measures Provincial Governments can take to ensure the protection of vulnerable citizens. According to the division of powers as set out in the Constitution Act 1867, the provinces are authorized to establish and regulate hospitals, and to regulate hospital-based health care services.
“The Carter decision recognized that innocent people will die as a result of legalizing euthanasia, and Bill C-14 has even greater loopholes which will most certainly result in the death of innocent people,” continues Mike. “We are now looking to Premier Clark and her government to close some of the gaps in this very liberal and lethal bill.”
The rally is the 9th annual Victoria March for Life. This year’s theme, “Caring Not Killing,” highlights the need to relieve suffering by caring for patients, not killing them.
“The Government of British Columbia has a vested interest in the health of the people of this province. It is our firm belief that real medicine alleviates suffering without eliminating the one who suffers. This can be done even with the reality of Bill C-14 upon us.
“There is an urgent need for Premier Clark to implement robust measures to care for the elderly, sufferers of depression and mental anxiety, as well as the physically disabled. The residents of British Columbia need to know that every life is worth living, and we are calling upon our government to do everything possible to give us those assurances by passing real and practical policies addressing the new reality we are living in,” concluded Schouten.
What: Rally at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
When: Thursday, May 12th (Rally begins at Centennial Square and concludes on the steps of the Legislative Buildings.)
Time: 1:45pm – 3:30pm