This is what I fear….
This is what I’ve been fearing all along that this country is heading towards:
Conservatives accused of ‘willfully ignoring’ contraception research
Jack Layton accused Stephen Harper today of adopting a “no-condoms-for-Africa strategy” for the government’s signature initiative at this summer’s G8 summit.
The NDP Leader said it was “incredible” that “the Foreign Minister is going around saying that contraception does not save lives.”
He added: “How can a program aimed at reducing maternal mortality not allow for any contraception as part of the program?”
Mr. Layton was raising concerns about comments made by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon yesterday that birth control will not be part of the “signature” G8 initiative on maternal health.
Mr. Cannon told a Commons committee the government’s plan is aimed at saving lives of mothers in poor countries and contraception doesn’t fit with that. But neither Mr. Cannon nor the Prime Minister, who were both in Question Period, responded.
Rather, International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda fielded the questions, sticking closely to her script.
“This initiative is about saving the lives of mothers and children,” she said. “Far too many lives are being sacrificed when we can do something about it. This is the time we should act.”
Mr. Layton was not alone in demanding answers to the contraception issue, however.
Liberal health critic Carolyn Bennett, who is also a doctor, said Mr. Cannon had confirmed what Liberals were fearing – that the government’s commitment to maternal health ends when it comes to reproductive health.
“Unbelievably, the minister suggested that birth control has nothing to do with saving lives,” Dr. Bennett said, noting that United Nations says a “lack of adequate contraceptive services is responsible for 1.5 million deaths in developing countries every year.”
She said the government is “willfully ignoring the research.”
Again, Ms. Oda answered. Staying on message, she said the government has chosen to focus the world’s attention on saving the lives of women and children. She added that her G8 colleagues support the Conservative government’s initiative.
And, probably what Preston Manning found out the change in attitude of Canadian towards conservatism (socially; economically i’m a conservative) is the worst case scenario I’d expect my Canada to be:
(Article by Manning on Globe and Mail titled “The blueing and greening of the political centre“)
Respondents were given a series of “value statements” and asked whether they agreed or disagreed with them (strongly or weakly on a scale of 1 to 7). Those receiving majority levels of public support were:
- Nothing is more important than family (89 per cent);
- Marriage, by definition, is between a man and a woman (67 per cent);
- Abortion is morally wrong (60 per cent);
- Learn from what worked in the past to solve problems (54 per cent);
- Better to implement small changes than all at once (54 per cent).
What is significant is that all of the above value propositions are more strongly associated with conservative values and policies than with those of liberals or social democrats. This is not to say that values and positions more strongly espoused by liberals and social democrats are not supported but, as shown below, the levels of support are for the most part significantly lower:
- Tolerance and moderation are what it’s all about to be Canadian (50 per cent);
- People holding different values/beliefs make society richer (47 per cent);
- We have a responsibility to look after those less fortunate (43 per cent);
- Government action is the best way to solve economic problems (31 per cent).
A reader said earlier that this blog is so anti-Tories that it has become partisan. Well, I’d like to say that it’s the social conservatism ideology that I’m against. I think that’s central to my personal values and I won’t endorse politicians who are socially conservative. On the other hand, this does not mean I will automatically support the opposition party(ies). That’s not a logical deduction. If the Tories are willing to drop their social conservative “values” I’d be more than happy to support them too.
Tags: abortion, conservative, contraception, foreign affairs, Lawrence Cannon, Preston ManningRelated posts
Short URL: http://www.chineseinvancouver.ca/?p=10353
If you don’t like it here, go back to your own country. There isn’t a thing called “your Canada”.
****Canada was NOT a country created by magical powers under the perfect ideals of virtues.
Canada is a White man’s country. Canada values have always and will always be Judeo-Christian White people’s Conservative vaules. (Some random White person on the street wants me to tell you that)
How many times do I have to tell you that? You just don’t listen …
About Canada’s conservative views and values, you have to talk to recent immigrants who emigrated from Europe. Even they know Canada is backward and conservative.
I’m not familiar with this topic, but from your post I fail to see anything wrong with letting Africa decide how many condoms they want. China had a one child policy for a long time. Can someone advise if Africa’s population growth is getting out of hand? OTH if Conservatives or Liberals go ahead with the condoms-for-Africa followed with a drop in childbirths, the world will scream ‘genocide’.
And how are condoms saving maternal lives, they need obstetricians, midwives and medicines.
I don’t think Canada is that socially conservative. While this is a diverse country, so views will definitely vary depending on where you are.
But this is a Vancouver site, I have to imagine that Vancouver is one of the most progressive cities in the world.
I think the availability of condoms are important. I myself have experienced situations where I had to use SaranWrap just to be on the safe side.
Many people will not use condoms or use it after the first pull out, but just the fact that condoms are available readily will make some difference.
Don’t get me wrong here. Let’s put aside the political aspect of it. So basically this is a humanitarian issue, i.e.
- birth control for the people (wow are they producing like rabbits)
- prevention of HIV/aids
Africa is a very big continents of 53 countries with different levels of development and sophistication and wealth. Undeniably, some of them can benefit from this proposed generosity. But look at Haiti, donations of kinds and cash are going in to the wrong pockets; foodstuff and daily essentials meant for free distribution are being sold by thugs to the people for hard cash. Some UN employees in Africa were accused of sex for foods in the 90s. I’ve an idea, if this program materializes the “Chinooks” be deployed to drop the condoms at strategic locations.
Clearly, you have a very rigid view of international aid and development.
Sending condoms to Africa is such an overused method. Funding condoms and abortions for Africa can also be seen as a form of racism — it sends the message that we would rather have less black people, and this is absolutely inacceptable.
I applaud the Conservatives for realizing that there is more to international aid than sending rubber condoms to developing nations. Let’s commit the funding and resources to actually improve FACILITIES where African women can give birth cleanly and safely.
Also, social conservatism emphasizes strong families, giving children a safe environment to grow up in, and also the individual responsibility to care for society. Are you saying that you are AGAINST strong families, protecting children, and helping one’s neighbours? Also, I think your unabashed anti-conservatism goes against conservative Chinese cultural values.
I definitely agree with SN on this one.
Moderated again!!?!
This is what I would fear…
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/china-group-says-us-uses-facebook-to-sow-unrest/article1634703/