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Commentary

Honouring a Heroine

Tue, November 09, 2010   |   Author: Ed Vanwoudenberg   |   | Share: Gab | Facebook | Twitter   

On November 3rd, during the International Pro-Life Conference in Ottawa, attendees paused and honoured a true heroine. One needs to pause and ponder, as hundreds did in Ottawa, to grasp the magnitude of Heather Stilwell's contribution to the pro-life cause in Canada. I feel honoured to have been asked by our party leader to pay tribute on behalf of CHP Canada to this unflinching champion of good causes.  I and my wife, Audrey, belong to the privileged ones who are part of Heather and Bill's inner circle of friends. Not only did we at one time live only a few blocks apart--close enough to share a beer on a sunny evening--but more importantly, as founding members of the CHP, we spent countless hours together in meetings that lasted far into the night, to plot and plan and pray for the future of this political endeavour. I am so glad Heather was able to be in Ottawa in person to receive the Life Canada Mother Teresa Award. Her valiant fight against cancer has greatly reduced her physical stamina, but let no one think that because of this her fighting spirit has diminished. "I will fight abortion till the day I die," said this Canadian heroine in response to receiving this honour. From Pro-life, to REAL Women, to Surrey School Trustee, to Leader of the CHP, to taking her fight for family values all the way to the Supreme Court, this classy lady did it all with the tenacity of a mother grizzly (to quote Sara Palin)--and never resorted to mudslinging. Heather has the ability to articulate issues with a clarity and common sense approach that has won her the admiration of friends and foes. She was my "boss" at one time during my CHP involvement. I had resigned as leader, and took on the role of Executive Director, while Heather stepped into the breach during a very turbulent time and became Interim Leader. Together we went through a painful time of restructuring followed by a federal election. I vividly remember her calling potential candidates on the phone to persuade them to let their name stand for the only truly pro-life federal party in Canada. Her power of persuasion is truly astounding. I can think of no other person living in Canada today who is more deserving of the Order of Canada than this lady. On this, Remembrance Week, we remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country and we challenge the next generation to use Heather's example as a springboard from which to assume their own time of battle on the front lines for our culture.


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