May 8
th marked the annual
March for Life. Canadians across the country marched through many cities
including Victoria, Edmonton, St. John’s, and of course, outside the steps of
Parliament Hill to be voices for those who have not been given the opportunity
to speak. Queen’s Alive members and alumni were among the thousands in Ottawa.
I was one of the privileged members to be witnessing on the hill too. The day
had perfect weather for the march – no mud, no rain, just sun. In fact, it
seemed much like a big family reunion. Many people from across Canada travel to
Ottawa and look forward to the march as an opportunity to see pro-lifers they
have met over the years. Looking around, it wasn’t difficult to see that most
people were enjoying the opportunity to reconnect. I found myself similarly
enjoying the smiles of pro-life advocates I have met in the past such as CCBR
(Canadian Center for Bio-Ethical Reform) worker Stephanie Grey and NCLN
(National Campus Life Network) staff members Rebecca Richmond and Kathleen Dunn
as the day came to a close. But I was soon reminded that this shouldn’t be how
it is.
Why do we have the March for
Life? Why are we all meeting on Parliament Hill and stopping traffic and
upsetting public transit systems? I was reminded at the NCLN banquet on
Thursday evening that the only reason we are all joined together on the hill is
because women are being traumatized and babies are being killed in this
nation that we call ‘free’. How many more children will our country sacrifice
to abortion? How many more men and women will we subject to lost fatherhood and
motherhood? The protest exists because the injustice exists. I have often told
people that the March for Life is one of my favourite events of the year. It is
– and I hope I never have to attend it again as a protest, but rather as a
celebration of our country’s decision to eradicate the injustice.