Free Speech
Journalists quick to criticize Poilievre’s comments on media funding
(THE HUB)

A significant percentage of journalist salaries in Canada depends on funding from the government, and it’s a sensitive issue for media companies. While there is value in maintaining traditional media forms, the “temporary measures” introduced to help traditional media find its way in a social media world have become relied on by many news companies wanting to stay afloat, which could impact their reporting as we approach a federal election that could seriously impact their viability.

Pre-born Human Rights
St. Catharines decides to repeal their graphic images bylaw
(ST. CATHARINES STANDARD)

Following ARPA’s legal challenge, the city of St. Catharines has chosen to repeal their proposed graphic images bylaw. The bylaw would have required even flyers with ultrasound images to come with a graphic content warning. As ARPA’s legal counsel John Sikkema explains in this article, “the real aim of the bylaw was to suppress opposition to abortion.”

Abortion pill use increasing, but not fast enough for some
(ST. ALBERT GAZETTE)

Alberta’s health critic suggests more women should be using medication to end the lives of their pre-born children, as it’s cheaper than surgical abortion. Statistics continue to be incomplete, but it is clear that rates of medication abortion continue to rise, with the marketing aimed especially at rural women. This focus on women who have the least access to follow up care if they need it shows that this really is more about money and convenience than about true care for women.

Gender and Sexuality

Can minors give informed consent?
(LET KIDS BE)

Minors have restrictions in many areas of their lives due to their age and developmental stage. Can they be expected to give true informed consent for a medical gender transition? Knowing the irreversible effects and potential harmful side effects of puberty blockers and gender surgeries, shouldn’t we be much more cautious with young people?

Euthanasia

Euthanasia devalues the lives of those living with disabilities
(OTTAWA CITIZEN)

Allowing euthanasia for those with disabilities says their lives are less worth living than an able-bodied person’s. ARPA’s Daniel Zekveld ties this to the Paralympics and how those athletes could wrongly receive completely different medical care than athletes competing in the regular Olympics.

New report on skyrocketing number of euthanasia deaths in Canada
(NATIONAL POST)

In 2022, Health Canada predicted that by 2033, MAiD deaths would stabilize at 4% of total deaths in Canada. In 2023, we learned that we had already surpassed that 4% mark and there is no sign yet that rates are levelling off. Euthanasia is more and more seen as a solution to human suffering.

Care Not Kill campaign expands its focus 
(ARPA CANADA)

With the expansion of euthanasia to those with mental illness delayed, ARPA Canada is now looking to turn back the expansion of euthanasia to those with disabilities and chronic illness. Offering euthanasia to people with disabilities suggests their lives are less worth living than those of able-bodied Canadians. This creates a discriminatory health care system that puts vulnerable Canadians at risk.

Family
Andrea Mrozek: Canada doesn’t have a “too many babies” problem
(THE LINE)

Canada, like almost every other Western country, is experiencing plummeting fertility rates. Despite this, the federal government’s pharmacare plan and the 2024 budget are pushing to make contraception available via taxpayer dollars.

Gender and sexuality
Activists at UN connect trafficking to porn
(C-FAM)

Anti-trafficking advocates spoke at a UN conference to highlight the link between trafficking and pornography, calling on governments to implement age verification to protect children. The connection between pornography and trafficking is clear, and we are thankful to see this being brought to light for the international community to see.

What is Gender Dysphoria?
(LET KIDS BE)

Thousands of children and adolescents are being referred for medical gender transitioning across Canada. Some young people are confused about or questioning their gender. Others identify as transgender, non-binary, queer, agender, or gender diverse. In this article we look at the medical term: gender dysphoria.

Woke v. Parents: A global showdown
(EUROPEAN CONSERVATIVE)

Many European countries, such as Britain, Finland, Norway and Denmark, are witnessing a turning tide when it comes to puberty blockers thanks to the fearless advocacy of parents. We can look at these countries as a source of encouragement to see what is possible if we are willing to fight for the protection of children from harmful ideologies.

Pre-Born Human Rights

Abortion pill injury reports in Canada skyrocket 227% since 2017, data show
(LIFE NEWS)

The abortion pill, available since 2017 in Canada, is not only deadly for the child, it has proven to be dangerous for the mother. Without any medical supervision, women are able to access the abortion pill, resulting in hundreds of injuries and one death. Canada needs to take action to protect the lives of women and take the abortion pill off the market.

Euthanasia

Serial killer could take advantage of assisted dying laws
(NATIONAL POST)

MAiD proponents argue that the decision-making power always rests with the patient. A recent report argues instead that the law does not protect the vulnerable, and puts power over life and death in the hands of others..

Family
Two-parent families: why they’re so important—and why there’s cause for concern in Canada
(THE HUB)

Sin damages relationships, which can often result in the deterioration of the biological family unit. Evidence shows that God’s design for family is best for children and society. Yet in Canada, God’s design is not being promoted and supported by the law.

Public Policy
Alberta’s drop in opiod deaths proves recovery model naysayers wrong
(NATIONAL POST)

Alberta has been a trendsetter when it comes to its drug policy. Recent numbers show a decrease in deaths related to opioids which is an early indicator that the recovery model may be an effective response to the opioid crisis.

Canada’s drug crisis: a wicked public policy problem (Part 1)
(ARPA CANADA)

Here is a throwback to a series of articles published on our site back in January. Our society is not approving of drug dependency. So how do so many become addicted? Why do some stay addicted while others succeed in quitting? What will help solve the problem of drug addiction?

Gender and sexuality
‘The whole world is waking up’: anti-porn age verification laws see sweeping success nationwide
(NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER)

In Canada, Bill S-210 is being considered in the House of Commons and would introduce protections to keep children from accessing sexually explicit material. In the United States, several states have introduced similar legislation that is having great success in keeping minors from accessing harmful content online.

Pre-Born Human Rights

Valuing those with Down syndrome
(LIFE NEWS)

Abortion is a tool used to reject those who are different. Although Canadian statistics on abortion are vague at best, international studies consistently report that as many as 90% of pre-born children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. Originally published on WeNeedALaw.ca, this blog was re-shared by Life News.

Gender and Sexuality
The problem with ‘Gender Affirming Care’ 
(LET KIDS BE)

The problem of gender dysphoria does not lie with the body. It lies with the mind. Those who experience gender dysphoria have nothing wrong with their body. Rather, they have difficulty identifying with or accepting their body. That is a real and very difficult struggle. But the solution is not to radically reshape the body through drugs, hormones, and surgery.

Fundamental Freedoms
Proposed bylaw to ban graphic anti-abortion posters morphs into general rules for all protest signs
(CTV NEWS)

ARPA Canada’s recent court action against the city of St. Catharines regarding their by-law restricting fetal images may be having a positive effect. The city of London is considering a similar by-law as it pertains to posters. The proposed by-law has been revamped due to concerns about violating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Abortion
Poland is One of the Only Countries in Europe to Protect Babies From Abortions
(LIFE NEWS)

After a narrow victory by three votes, Poland has rejected a bill that would decriminalize helping a woman undergo an illegal abortion. Abortion is only in allowed before 12 weeks and only in cases of sexual abuse, incest or when the mother’s life is at risk. We praise God for this result that will protect the lives of unborn children in Poland. 

Pivoting to Unwanted and Coerced Abortion: A Manifesto
(PUBLIC DISCOURSE)

Each year, many women are pressured into abortions, against their own better judgment. While we work to limit access to abortion, we must ensure that women considering abortion are aware that it is not their only option.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition responds to Dr. Forfar
(THE MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT)

Proponents of accessible euthanasia often argue that MAiD is a compassionate response to the suffering of individuals. But killing people is no way of caring for the needs of people; it is the abandonment of those in crisis.

Family

Here’s How You Can Help Protect Children and Fight against Human Trafficking
(WASHINGTON STRAND)

It is estimated that millions of children are victims of human trafficking. It is easy to be naive to the reality of modern slavery. There are steps that can be taken by everyone to protect children and make changes that prevent trafficking in our communities.

Surrogacy divides ‘mother’ into 3 optional, purchasable roles
(CHRISTIAN POST)

Recently, the United Nation has proposed to make surrogacy a right, asserting that family planning is a human right. What they fail to take note of is that children have a natural right to a father and mother. Surrogacy violates these rights and always ends in loss for the child which has life-long consequences. 

Fundamental Freedoms
Canada: Still Glorious and Free? 
(ARPA CANADA)

While freedom is hard to objectively measure, there are several organizations that try. How does Canada stack up globally, and within the context of history? While there are some areas for concern, overall  we’re doing pretty well.

Freedom of Conscience Under Attack in Canada 
(ARPA CANADA)

Nova Scotia is the latest province to severely limit conscience rights for doctors. In many provinces, doctors are now expected to offer an effective referral for a service they morally don’t support, such as abortion or euthanasia. This means connecting their patient with a doctor who they know will provide the requested service. 

Public Policy
Drug seizures in Ontario skyrocket 3,000% after safer supply expansion 
(NATIONAL POST)

So-called “safe supply” drug programs exist in many cities across Canada in hopes of mitigating the risks of street drugs. In practice, however, these supplied drugs are often sold or traded so that users can buy stronger substances. This is leaving communities with staggering increases of drug use and addictions.

Human Rights Expert Advocates Abolishing Prostitution 
(C-FAM)

A UN human rights expert has taken a strong stand against prostitution and pornography. This is surprising many as the UN works toward viewing prostitution through the lens of legitimate “sex work.” While we differ from her on other policy areas, such as abortion – Reem Alsalem is right to highlight the violence, objectification, and exploitation inherent in prostitution and pornography.

Abortion
Women Deserve to Know They Can Reverse In-Progress Chemical Abortions
(PUBLIC DISCOURSE)

Many women are faced with regret after choosing abortion. And yet few are told that there is a safe and effective way to reverse chemical abortions before the procedure is completed. As abortion providers are generally not willing to give this information – it is up to the pro-life movement to provide women the information they deserve to know.  

Euthanasia

Another Disabled Person Speaks Up About Being Offered Euthanasia
(THE BRIDGEHEAD)

Tracy Polewczuk, a woman with spina bifida, shares how she has been offered euthanasia twice by those who are supposed to care for her. The pressure she has felt to choose euthanasia illustrates how a health care system that offers euthanasia puts vulnerable patients at risk. 

Family

What ‘Trad Wives’ Are Selling Is Not Traditional Motherhood
(INSTITUTE FOR FAMILY STUDIES)

A social media trend pushing back on the culture’s disregard for motherhood and homemaking has widely become known as the ‘trad wives’ trend.  As Christians who value families, we must also be aware that curated content that monetizes sharing your family life can be deceptive. We must be discerning when faced with trends, even when they seemingly align with our values.  

Gender & Sexuality
Does Medical Transitioning Lower the Risk of Suicide? 
(LET KIDS BE)

“Would you rather have a live son or a dead daughter?” This is the choice that gender ideology advocates often give to parents with a gender dysphoric child. They claim the only way to save young people who identify as transgender from suicide is medical transition and full acceptance by everyone as the opposite sex. But the evidence doesn’t support the claim.

Ding Dong, The Witch Isn’t Dead 
(DR J. EDWARD LES)

The UK’s Cass Review made it clear that prescribing puberty blockers and cross-gender hormones to children is not based on science. Other countries took notice. But what has North America done with this information?

Petition to Stop the Medical Transition of Minors 
(GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, E-PETITIONS)

Please sign this petition that calls on the government of Canada to stop the medical transitioning of minors and instead adopt evidence-based guidelines and non-invasive interventions that are conducive to safeguarding the well-being of children and adolescents.

Public Policy
Will there soon be a national Conversion Therapy Day?  
(ARPA CANADA)

Conversations about conversion therapy are back on Parliament Hill. And, no, they’re not talking about repealing or amending Canada’s deeply flawed conversion therapy ban. Instead, they’re suggesting we should have an annual “awareness day” to focus on the harms of conversion therapy.

The Cult of Expertise Has Gone Too Far  
(THE HUB)

This article critiques the sole reliance on (often self-proclaimed) experts when it comes to deciding the best way forward for Canadians. “Experienced experts from relevant fields should inform our policies and legislation, but so should parents, business leaders, factory workers, and farmers.”

Freedom of Expression
Can’t fight for unborn without fighting for free speech, pro-life activists argue  
(TRUE NORTH)

Pre-born children deserve our protection and our voice, but this can only exist if free speech is protected in our country. For the pro-life movement, free speech is of utmost importance.

Euthanasia

Quadriplegic man’s MAID death from bedsore results in public inquiry being ordered 
(GLOBAL NEWS)

Earlier this year, euthanasia was administered to a Quebec man as a result of severe pain from bedsores. A public inquiry has now been ordered to investigate the situation and provide recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

Gender & Sexuality
The Western Porn Industry is Poisoning the Planet (EUROPEAN CONSERVATIVE)

The widespread use of pornography has touched our culture to an extent unimaginable only a couple decades ago. As developing countries are introduced to the Internet, the use of pornography has become widespread there too and its damage demonstrates again the need to ban pornography.

Euthanasia
Alberta Father Abandons Effort to Block Daughter’s Assisted Suicide (CBC NEWS)

An Alberta father had received a court injunction blocking euthanasia for his 27-year-old daughter, who he believes was wrongly approved for MAiD. Unfortunately, the daughter, whose only publicly shared diagnoses are ADHD and autism, stopped eating and drinking, forcing her father to abandon his court appeal.

European Court: Assisted Suicide Not a Human Right (NATIONAL REVIEW)

An Alberta father had received a court injunction blocking euthanasia for his 27-year-old daughter, who he believes was wrongly approved for MAiD. Unfortunately, the daughter, whose only publicly shared diagnoses are ADHD and autism, stopped eating and drinking, forcing her father to abandon his court appeal.

Pre-born Human Rights
Valuing life: Abortion is just the tip of the iceberg  (CHRISTIAN CONCERN)

As Christians, we often describe ourselves as “pro-life,” a term that generally refers to opposition to the destruction of pre-born lives. But perhaps we need to think of this term in a broader sense as the understanding of the value of life is foundational for a flourishing society.  

Artificial Wombs, Artificial Love  (PUBLIC DISCOURSE)

Advancing technologies have introduced artificial wombs, which have great potential to sustain the life of severely premature infants. Important ethical questions must be addressed, however, as the growth of this technology has the possibility in the future to become a new form of surrogacy. Christians must be willing to investigate this reality in the light of God’s Word and what is revealed in creation.  

Free Speech
Truth Tellers: Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn (EPOCH TIMES)

A brief look at the life of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, author of the famous “Gulag Archipelago” and other works, whose commitment to truth led to much suffering but also much opportunity to share God with the world.

Abortion
Liana Gordan: It’s common sense for Conservatives to defend the unborn (NATIONAL POST)

This extended Letter to the Editor critiques the half-hearted or defensive reaction of many politicians to being labeled “pro-life.” Gordan says, “A truly common-sense conservative movement would call out contradictions, scientifically erroneous definitions and injustices wherever they occur… People want politicians with principles — and consistent ones at that.”

Abortion for fetal anomalies devalues people living with disabilities (WE NEED A LAW)

World News Group recently published an article questioning the allowance of abortion in cases of fetal anomalies. We Need a Law wrote this follow-up article about the issue of deciding which lives are more worth living, and the pressure that can come from doctors who deliver a prenatal diagnosis.

States could take on FDA in abortion pill case  (WORLD)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against doctors who were challenging the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone this week, but there is political will to continue the challenge against the life-ending drug. Mifepristone has also been available to end pre-born lives in Canada since 2017.

Family
Motherhood now a side hustle (CATHOLIC REGISTER)

Andrea Mrozek proposes that an increase in fertility rates will not take place until there is a shift in mindset and identity among Canadians, particularly women. Our culture needs to see motherhood once again as a beautiful and honourable task in its own right, not something secondary to or competing with personal growth and career achievements.

Gender & Sexuality
Desecrating the image of God – Carl Trueman  (FIRST THINGS)

Carl Trueman argues in this piece that “Trans ideology and pro-abortion politics are exhilarating because they make their proponents feel like God.”

Q: Why does everyone in the church say that looking at pornography is so dangerous?  (PLANTS & PILLARS)

Plants and Pillars, a youth-focused publication of the Free Reformed Churches, tackles this important question about the harms of pornography.

Euthanasia
Dying Alone (PUBLIC DISCOURSE)

Many people must face death on their own as families become smaller and move apart. Christians need to be aware that we cannot neglect the dying and that “one’s eternal destiny is of utmost importance” and so we must be prepared to attend to the dying in our lives.

Gender & Sexuality
Hope for Struggling Christians During Pride Month (GOSPEL COALITION)

June is publicly known as Pride Month. For Christians struggling with same-sex attraction, this can be a perilous month. Writing from a pastoral heart, Garret Kell addresses Christians struggling with this month as he offers encouragement of eternal value. 

Canada’s dangerous commitment to trans-affirming care for minors (MACDONALD LAURIER INSTITUTE)

It is encouraging to see continued media coverage of the negative effects of medical transitions for minors. James Pew writes, “Across the Western world, a reversal is unfolding. Steps are being taken to drastically limit or ban many of the radical gender-transition interventions and adjacent trans-affirming policies involving minors.”

The World is Transitioning (LET KIDS BE)

As we follow gender transition news around the world, we see many countries hitting the brakes on medical transitioning for minors. Denmark, Germany, and France are joining Sweden, Finland, and the UK in a call for evidence-based approaches, rather than politically motivated ones.

Euthanasia
Is the Fight against Assisted Dying a Lost Cause? (THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE)

Pro-euthanasia activists may try to persuade people that opposition against assisted dying is a lost cause. Mehmet Ciftci examines this belief while also considering the international landscape of assisted dying. Canada has entered the world stage for its demonstration of the slippery slope of legalizing euthanasia, causing many people to reconsider and even shift their opinions.

In Vitro Fertilization
A Christian’s Practical Guide to Reproductive Technology (GOSPEL COALITION)

“In vitro fertilization (IVF) is not mentioned in the Bible. …While it is true that the words “in vitro fertilization” do not explicitly appear, the Bible has a lot to say about infertility, technology, and the value of life from the moment of conception.”

Provincial Politics
Prayer in the Manitoba Legislature (ARPA CANADA)

Last month (at a prayer breakfast, of all places), Premier Wab Kinew announced that he is considering changing the prayer that opens each day of proceedings at the Manitoba legislature. To ensure the legislature opening remains relevant to Manitobans from all walks of life and reflects the values and priorities of Manitobans, the Manitoba government will host a roundtable to gather perspectives on changes to the legislature opening.”

Zekveld – Buffer-zone bill about censorship, not safety (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

Manitoba’s Gender Equity Minister Nahanni Fontaine says the province needs to ban all pro-life expression near abortion clinics, because an abortion doctor was shot in his home in 1997. But is this a reasonable limit to freedom of expression?