In the second segment of a two-part interview with the CBC's Peter Mansbridge, Prime Minister Stephen Harper discussed, among other things, his understanding of how abortion should be dealt with in Canada. Mr. Harper said, "I have spent my political career trying to stay out of that issue." He went on to say, "if you want to diminish the number of abortions, you've got to change hearts and not laws. And I'm not interested in having a debate over abortion law." PM Harper is correct that hearts need to be changed. But does that fact release him from his responsibility to restrict lawlessness? For several years now, the Harper Conservatives have been promoting their 'tough on crime' agenda. Why do we need longer prison sentences? Why do we need laws prohibiting theft, assault, rape--and the list goes on--if all criminals need is a change of heart? The answer is obvious. Of course there must be laws in place to protect Canadians. In fact, it is the very presence of laws that gives us freedom. Imagine if there were no laws against murder--we would not be free to walk in the streets! Harper is way off base when he tries to distance himself from pro-lifers. He is shifting the debate from Parliament to preachers; but in reality, he is responsible for the protection of all Canadians--including the unborn--so that we are all free...to live! We have laws that prohibit theft of property, not because thieves don't need a change of heart, but because it is the task and responsibility of the government to bring justice to those who do wrong. Canada is not served by politicians who shirk those responsibilities. This latest attempt by Stephen Harper and the Conservatives to duck an issue they fear is another clear indication that the abortion issue will never be discussed in the House of Commons under their watch. It's time for all Canadians who are concerned about the "silent holocaust" of the unborn to recognize this reality, and cease supporting the Conservative Party, which has--under Mr. Harper's leadership and control--become a party slavishly committed to shielding the abortion industry from scrutiny or debate. His willingness to throw the unborn "under the bus" in the hopes of gaining his majority is now undeniable. Those who support him in misguided loyalty become de facto accomplices to his agenda. When their votes are tallied, their complicity sends the wrong message to Mr. Harper and to all anti-life MPs. It tells them that the sacrifice of the unborn for political gain is acceptable and gives them no reason to change their tactics or their policies. As a candidate for CHP Canada, I want to advocate for the unborn who have no voice. I invite all pro-lifers to join with me in the only action which can truly make a difference: take power away from the Conservatives! If you continue to support such negligent leadership you are wasting your vote! It's time to make your vote count; it's time for Better Solutions with CHP Canada!