Much has been written and much more will be spoken on the emotional subject of euthanasia and assisted suicide or—as it is euphemistically called —“dying with dignity.” With the recent decision of the National Assembly of Quebec to legalize doctor-assisted suicide and with Manitoba MP Steven Fletcher introducing a Private Members Bill to open the debate on euthanasia, Canada finds itself on the brink of yet another moral dilemma; since life is no longer considered sacred among most politicians in Canada, is the handwriting on the wall for euthanasia to become legal as it has in many European countries?

Obviously no one enjoys pain and suffering—either physical or emotional. To watch a loved one face death through some terminal condition can be heart-breaking. Although this subject is both complicated and controversial, our position as the Christian Heritage Party is clearly established by our worldview and based on our recognition of the supremacy of God and the authority of His Word. We believe all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, regardless of what lawmakers and courts in a secular society may determine. CHP Canada remains resolute and firmly committed to passionately protecting the lives of the unborn and defending those who are unable to speak for themselves.

On the subject of “dying with dignity,” I would like to express a few thoughts. First, the proponents of the “death culture” are sly and cunning in their coining of the phrase "dying with dignity" to try to mask the cold fact that self-inflicted death is suicide and doctor-assisted suicide is murder. Promoters of abortion have created terms such as "pro-choice" and a "woman's right to choose" to soften the reality of the murder of innocent and defenseless preborn children through cruel and inhumane practices. In the same way, the promoters of doctor-assisted suicide have created terminology that masks the ugly reality. There is no “dignity in dying” by one's own hand or with the aid of a willing accomplice. In fact, I consider it cowardice, or sometimes an expression of human vanity and pride. Since I believe that God and God alone is the “giver and taker of life,” human beings must not rob God of His sovereign authority to determine the length of their lives.

In my mind, “dying with dignity” is a term that should properly be applied to all those fine women and men who have given their lives to defend our freedom and protect our democracy. It is a fitting term for persons in uniform who daily put their lives on the line for our safety and protection and often pay the ultimate sacrifice—all in the line of duty. Also, the term would apply to ordinary citizens who are willing to put their own lives at risk to save the lives of others.

So where does that leave us in the Christian Heritage Party of Canada? I can best summarize my thoughts by sharing a brief dialogue I had with an elderly gentleman following an All Candidates Forum in Claresholm, Alberta during the recent by-election. He approached me following the presentation and said, "I liked what you had to say tonight and I am almost convinced to vote for you but I want to ask you a question. I enlisted and served in the Canadian Armed Forces during WW II. I put my life on the line for my country and in the process witnessed many of my buddies die. At my age this could be the last time I will be able to vote. What are you prepared to do?"

My response should be the response of all members of CHP Canada. I told him: "Sir, I appreciate your personal sacrifice on behalf of our country and I'm sure you have difficulty recognizing the Canada you loved and were willing to die for. I am the only candidate here tonight representing a political party (the CHP) with a cause worth living for, fighting for and yes, indeed, worth dying for. I would give my life in a heartbeat if I could save the lives of the 100,000 unborn who are killed every year in our country who are totally innocent of any wrongdoing. I would give my life willingly to leave Canada a better country for my grandchildren”. His response was profound. He said, with tears in his eyes (and mine as well), "You have my vote!"

As members of the CHP, we should regularly ask ourselves: what are we prepared to do to preserve our democracy? What are we prepared to give to support the cause of life from conception to natural death? Are we willing to become life members of the CHP? Are we willing to recruit new members for the only pro-fife federal political party in Canada? Are we willing to "die with dignity", that is, in the proper application of the term, to “lay down our lives” for others?

"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

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Call To Action

1. Join CHP Canada to show your support for protection of all innocent life at all stages. We are Canada’s only pro-life, pro-family, federal political party.

2. Sign the Petition Québec: Stop the euthanasia Bill 52! calling on Justice Minister Peter Mackay to bring an injunction against Quebec’s euthanasia Bill 52 and asking the court to strike down the bill as unconstitutional.

3. We encourage our members and all who are concerned about the slippery slope towards euthanasia and assisted suicide to visit Euthanasia Coalition Prevention Executive Director, Alex Schadenberg’s blog and sign the Declaration of Hope. Your support will show all Canadian MPs and Senators that there are many Canadians who want to protect innocent human life at all stages.

4. E-mail the Prime Minister pm@pm.gc.ca, stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca, Minister of Justice peter.mackay@parl.gc.ca and your personal MP and ask them to oppose these bills.