Stephen Harper is Bad News.
Why? I'll tell ya why! In 2007, Harper's federal government changed the objectives and funding for the Status of Women Canada (SWC) program. Notably, the word "equality" was removed from the SWC's mandate, and the SWC's budget was slashed by $5 million. As a result, associations such as NAWL (National Association of Women and the Law) faced some huge setbacks. The NAC (National Action Committee) condemned this move and blasted the government for its actions.
I bring this up because of the recent noise surrounding Proposed Bill C-484, called the "Unborn Victims of Crime Act". Basically, it's an amendment to the Criminal Code which would grant personhood to the fetus. So if a man shot and murdered woman who was carrying an unborn child, he would be arrested on two murder charges instead of one. On the surface, this may seem dandy (well, not to me).
People are unimpressed. And for good reason. If passed, this bill would be an unconstitutional infringement on women’s rights, and would result in harm against pregnant women. It's a step towards re-criminalizing abortion, plus the bill could also criminalize pregnant women for behaviours perceived to cause harm to their fetuses.
Hmm, I may have to write a letter to my MP or something.
ETA: Here is a sample letter you can send to your MP and you can go here to find your MP. Cheers y'all.
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