Social media and news outlets have been buzzing following Tuesday's proceedings in the Commons Committee on the Status of Women, one of the few committees for which the Official Opposition appoints the Chair.
When Andrew Scheer nominated MP Rachael Harder - the CPC's Shadow Minister on the Status of Women - to the position, the Liberal MP committee members walked out of the meeting and vowed not to return until an alternate Chair was named.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he supports the Liberal MPs' decision to walk out of the meeting, while Andrew Scheer defends his position to nominate Rachael Harder.
What This Situation Tells Canadians:
The unanimous decision of Liberal MPs to walk out of the meeting in protest of MP Harder's nomination is very telling.
It demonstrates that dissenting voices - even from other parties - will be silenced when it comes to abortion, or anything to do with women.
It demonstrates that a number of MPs and parties view women's rights as being synonymous with abortion. These individuals are evidently not pro-"choice" but rather are pro-abortion.
It demonstrates a lack of respect for the democratic process. These protesting Members of Parliament should have used their vote to oppose Ms. Harder's nomination if they felt that she was unqualified or unsuitable.
And it demonstrates that women who oppose abortion are viewed as lesser than those who support abortion; that women who hold such views do not belong in Parliament - either themselves as MPs or through representation.
What Now? // What You Can Do:
This situation is an excellent opportunity for us to hold a mirror up to Canadians around us to see the sad reality of where we currently are on abortion in Canada. It is the perfect moment for us to stand up and make our voices heard as those who value women and true diversity, and who defend life in the womb.
Here is what we are asking you to do:
1) Pray:
Please pray for Ms. Harder and her team as they are at the centre of this controversy. Let's pray that she would be encouraged and strengthened to continue her very important work in Parliament and that she would fearlessly stand for what is right.
Let's pray that Andrew Scheer and other Conservative MPs would stand behind his nomination of Rachael. Let's also pray that the democratic process would be upheld and that Canadians would pay close attention to how this situation has been handled.
Let's pray that all of our government would have an awakening about the truth of abortion so that all of our nation's leaders would have God's heart on this issue.
2) Encourage MP Harder:
Please send MP Rachael Harder a quick note of thanks and encouragement.
E-mail: Rachael.Harder@parl.gc.ca
We also encourage you to create a short video or take a selfie and post it to Twitter using the hashtag #StandwithRachael to show your support.
3) Share this graphic and Call Committee Members:
Please share this graphic on your social media and use it to call the Liberal members of the committee yourself. The more Canadians, and especially women, they hear from, the better. Let's send a strong message about supporting women of all beliefs and positions.
