Frank McKenna is seriously out of step with today's Liberal Party
From the Liberal Party website:
There are a number of ways in which an anti-choice government could restrict or limit choice, including:
- Refusing to approve new contraceptives;
- Placing restrictions on family planning agencies that receive federal funding;
- Changing government health policy to allow provinces to opt out of funding for abortions; and
- Changing the Criminal Code or the Constitution to give legal status to foetuses.
Mr. Harper needs to come clean and tell Canadians whether his government will move to restrict choice for women. Canadian women deserve to know.
Of course, Stephen Harper is on record as saying his views on the topic are complex, and that he doesn't want to bring any sort of abortion legislation to a vote.
Indeed, for all their digging, the Liberals can't find a single quote by Stephen Harper in which he takes an unequivocal stand on the issue. Hence they rely on the "hidden agenda" tactic.
But the same can't be said of the current front-runner for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, Frank McKenna:
Premier pledges to fight any attempt to open a clinic
The Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, Ont.: Feb 18, 1988. pg. A.3
FREDERICTON (CP) - The New Brunswick government will fight any attempt to open an abortion clinic in the province, Premier Frank McKenna said Wednesday.
"If Mr. Morgentaler tries to open a clinic in the province of New Brunswick, he's going to get the fight of his life," McKenna told reporters.
Dr. Henry Morgentaler said this week that New Brunswick continues to restrict access by paying only for abortions that are deemed medically necessary by two doctors, and performed in approved hospitals.
Morgentaler said New Brunswick's position goes against last month's Supreme Court of Canada ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the federal law requiring abortions to be approved by hospital committees.
Morgentaler said he would fight the New Brunswick announcement and might try to open a clinic in the province.
"I see no need for Mr. Morgentaler to do that in the province of New Brunswick and we'll resist it," McKenna told reporters.
The premier, a practising Roman Catholic, refused to say how New Brunswick would fight attempts to open an abortion clinic, since there is currently no criminal restriction on abortion.
Frank McKenna's three sins:
- trying to classify abortion as a medical procedure and so involving the medical establishment in the decision-making process, which of course is a form of restriction
- defying the Supreme Court, the same body to which Paul Martin was going to provide the final say in all Charter matters by promising to eliminate the ability of the federal government to use the notwithstanding clause
- following his religion (worse yet, a Christian religion, and worst of all, Catholicism, the most evil strain of Christianity -- George W Bush is a Christian, doncha know)
Frank McKenna fought the opening of clinics in New Brunswick for seven years, until finally they gave up to a court ruling in 1995. Frank McKenna was premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997 -- so I think it's fair to say that fighting the unrestricted access to abortion was a mainstay of his time as a leader of government in Canada.
It'll be interesting to watch the Liberal Party leadership rivals start slinging abortion mud at each other. One wonders if they'll be doing it with the same vigour as when it was aimed at Stephen Harper. Stephen Harper was never the head of government anywhere in Canada. He has never made any attempt to restrict abortion. He has never said that he wants to.
Frank McKenna, on the other hand, was the leader of single longest sustained effort by a government in Canada to restrict abortion.
Any bets on which Liberal Party leadership rival will be the first to call McKenna a religious zealot?
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Comments
Catholicism is far from the most evil strain of Christianity in modern times. Look to the likes of Robertson, Falwell, etc for the most villified Christians in North America. (And IMO, rightfully so)
Absolute fundamentalism in any religion is a bad thing.
Posted by: Andrew at January 27, 2006 01:52 PM
Angry, I'm in for $20 on Belinda being the first. :)
Posted by: at January 27, 2006 02:01 PM
Geez Angry, now you've gone and made me respect a Liberal!
Posted by: The Good Fight at January 27, 2006 02:04 PM
Frank was..gasp..representing the views of his constituents. But too bad that excuse won't cut the mustard in the Union of Liberal Socialist Republics.
How can the Libs paint Harper as a so-con if their leader is anti-abortion? Frank is done for.
Posted by: JL at January 27, 2006 02:14 PM
The more you talk about Frank McKenna, the more I like the guy.
Posted by: Chris from Victoria, BC at January 27, 2006 02:17 PM
I hate to make you guys a little less respectful of Frank, however his position on this is exactly the same as the NDP government in Manitoba which is currently in a similar fight to that which Frank fought. The media commentary on his Catholicism was merely a one off, Frank never associated his opposition to abortion with his religion. He did go on to end the two-doctor approval requirement which is what the court has thrown out some weeks before this news story. The missing context was that few of the premiers took action right away as the awaited to see what legislative response the Mulroney government was going to put in place.
Here is a URL on the Manitoba fight: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2001/06/08/morgentaler010608.html
Posted by: fjm at January 27, 2006 02:19 PM
Here is a more recent, and relevant, story on the same battle: http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/story/mb_abortion20040408.html
"Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, says the province won't pay any medical bills submitted by the clinic because the Doer government is planning to establish a new multi-service clinic that would include abortions covered by the province."
Frank's position was exactly the same, I don't have access to the papers of the time but even in the article quoted above you can see where Frank's position was coming from. He says, "I see no need for Mr. Morgentaler to do that in the province of New Brunswick". The reason, and this is what Frank argued in those court cases through the early 90s, that there was no need is because abortions were available in public hospitals and Frank removed restrictions (in compliance with the Supreme Court case that came down only weeks before the above article) and also made the procedure available in more hospitals.
Posted by: fjm at January 27, 2006 02:43 PM
This is another reason why Paul Martin's rhetoric was so dangerous.It is now fair game to trudge all this stuff out and make it an issue for any would be candidate who aspires to be PM.If the Liberal Party oC wants to troll in the bottom of the trough then they can play down there among themselves as well. Good luck Frank.
Posted by: Sparks at January 27, 2006 02:52 PM
The former Minister of Complex files will be on this like...well insert your own metaphor...
My prediction, the activist base of the Liberal Party will drive the choice of leaders far left in a Deaniac, Move On.org kind of way.
"We bought and paid for the party" - MoveOn spokesperson
Expect the signatory of a rather large cheque that ends the Liberal debt to be Austrian in origin. COuld be he'll just have the invoices sent to him and never claim it while BS becomes Liberal Leader.....
You heard it hear first.
Posted by: Stephen at January 27, 2006 02:55 PM
Frank Mckenna is probably one of the better choices that the liberals could make. So he'll probably loose.
I don't think it matters who's going to be liberal leader. (at least I hope not) If Harper can get his agenda rolling. Satisfy Toronto on guns & crime, and keep the separatists at bay, he may pick up enough seats in Montreal and Toronto to form a majority next time around.
Now when the liberals get dumped again, it wont matter who the leader was, he'll be (or she) will get dumped.
Posted by: Curtis at January 27, 2006 03:07 PM
And to this day New Brunswick remains the only province that refuses to pay "Harbord Henry" for sevices at his private clinic.
As fun as it might be to watch the Grits tie themselves into knots about Frank's position, I prefer something a bit more close to home. It was his decision to have the RCMP set police dogs on parents protesting the closure of their local school (Saint-Saveur & Saint-Simon - May 1997). Best yet, it comes with its own television footage for the evening news. Ah...Old times.
Posted by: herringchoker at January 27, 2006 03:54 PM
One thing I find curious is that Morgentaler's abortion clinics are private. And yet the NDP seems to implicitly support them.
Would they advocate the same for McKenna's New Brunswick? Something doesn't add up.
Posted by: Steve at January 27, 2006 04:03 PM
My question about abortion is:
The Liberals and NDP “say” they don’t support private healthcare medical facilities.
The Liberals took Harper to task on abortion…the right to choose…which is a non issue to Conservatives.
Henry Morgentaler operates a private abortion clinic and gets paid by OHIP.
Would the Liberals and NDP take away a woman’s right to choose the Morgentaler clinic for an abortion?
Posted by: Ownshook at January 27, 2006 04:13 PM
Don't any of you find it strange, that days after an election, with a (gasp) Albertan in the PMO, that the media is more interested in the Liberal media race than in what's happening with the new government. This is a typical MSM way of trying to give status back to the losers. In some ways it's a good thing, while all MSM eyes are on the liberal bloodletting, Harper will be free to launch his neocon fascist plot to... (gasp, scream).... pass an accountibility act.
Now, what happens if Harper's forensic accounting blood hounds name leadership hopefuls... now won't that be cute?
Posted by: debris trail at January 27, 2006 04:17 PM
I think they're grooming Pierre Trudeau's son for the position eventually...he recently got married and CBC referred to him as 'royalty'...disgusting.
D
Posted by: David Lockwood at January 27, 2006 04:57 PM
Belinda is a one trick pony. Remember how long she stuck to that "bake a better economic pie" lame-ness? In the recent election she got all hot and bothered about the slim chance that Harper might somehow, in some parallel universe, know someone who knows someone who would talk about limiting a woman's right to choose.
She will use the same lines against Frank, but to better effect. Even having Frank in the race now may paint the entire Liberal Party as pro-life.
Posted by: JL at January 27, 2006 04:58 PM
That said, I still like that Frank McKenna..anti-abortion views and guard dog attacks on parents notwithstanding.
But I hope and pray for a Belinda led Liberal Party.
Posted by: JL at January 27, 2006 05:02 PM
As always, carefull what you wish for.
Belinda is a dark horse long shot, 20-1 more like 40-1. She crossed the floor to join the liberals, thats too fresh in poeple's memory. It will take years for that memory to fade. She may one day get the leadership, but not this time. In the next liberal government I doubt she'd even be cabinet material.
Posted by: Curtis at January 27, 2006 05:23 PM
David Lockwood; I think you're right. I'm surprised he didn't speak out during the campaign. Maybe he was saving his breath for a new day?
Word is Sasha was in the crowd at an All Candidates Forum in McLellan's riding. Maybe it'll be a different Trudeau to ride in on a white horse?
I'd be VERY afraid of Ignatieff getting in, given how he was parachuted into his riding. I still can't believe he was voted in. Anyone check the voter's list/enumeration there?
Posted by: Cheri at January 27, 2006 05:34 PM
I might even support Frank McKenna now.
Posted by: Terry James at January 27, 2006 05:42 PM
The hypocrisy of all Liberals vying for the leadership of the liberal party will be exposed like never before.
Posted by: Jon at January 27, 2006 06:13 PM
I wouldnt worry too much about Sasha, just because you have a famous SOB parent, can you get elected? Thats basicly what he has to offer "my daddy was famous - vote for me!" what has accomplished on his own? and what is it now, with star candidates not only being parachuted into nice ridings, but being instant leadership candidates. Iam thinking Belinda here... But what happened to paying your dues, building a network, being minister of finance?
This guy Ignatieff... Leaves canada ... lives somewhere else for 30 years... comes back to run the country... I dont think so, but then agian, we have a multi-nation citizen being Gov General...
Posted by: Curtis at January 27, 2006 06:18 PM
As a Canadian who loves Canada, I also love our neighbour so don't get PO'd at me, George W., but what possible title could you use to describe this other than ...?
STUPID AMERICAN WOMEN
(Door-to-door tattoo salesman?)
Posted by: Chris from Victoria, BC at January 27, 2006 06:31 PM
"He's a Liberal and he's OK,
Free to choose all night
While pro-life all day."
Apologies to the snake.
Mark
Ottawa
Posted by: Mark Collins at January 27, 2006 08:11 PM
No doubt Steve. I wrote the same thing a month ago:
McKenna would endorse Harper
Posted by: Scott at January 27, 2006 09:03 PM
And of course, Canada's other all-important issue... how does he feel about same sex marriage?
Posted by: Linda at January 27, 2006 09:12 PM
From a farmers point of view: Its funny how the Liberals and the NDP want to be the champions of a womens right to choose and they want to make sure that we have the right to marry someone of the same sex. But should a farmer have the right to sell his own grain? Thats where the Liberals and the NDP draw the line. You have to sell your grain to the Canadian Wheat Board. No indvidual rights here. I can't wait for the Consevetives to do away with the Wheat Board's monopoly......One Trudeau in the history of this country is to many. We can't afford another.
Posted by: Larry at January 27, 2006 10:41 PM
I think Larry just hit the nail on the head here.
The left aren't the 'salt of the earth' people any more. They're the artsy-fartsy crowd in those big urban centers. Whom have only seen a field of wheat from 30,000 feet.
There really is a breakdown of understanding, the urban people can't (or don't bother) wrap their heads around rural problems.
Posted by: Curtis at January 27, 2006 11:07 PM
Frank McKenna is on record in the New Brunswick Hansard stating that same-sex marriage is an abomination and does not meet with societal norms.
Frank McKenna will NEVER be leader of the Liberal Party.
Posted by: TB at January 28, 2006 12:40 AM
Yes but you have to remember... In order to be a Liberal you must do the following:
1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.
2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression, and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that there was no art before federal funding.
4. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUV's.
5. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial, but being homosexual is natural.
6. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.
7. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
8. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists, who have never been outside of Toronto, do.
9. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
10. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
11. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
12. You have to believe that Carolyn Parrish is normal and is a very nice person.
13. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
14. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
15. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.
Posted by: Mac at January 28, 2006 01:11 AM
I think everyone who voted conservative this election should go out and get a liberal party membership and vote for Belinda in the leadership race.... :)
Posted by: Tim at January 28, 2006 01:13 AM
From the Ministry of Truth: You seem to forget the Liberal Modus Operandi...
If McKenna wins the Liberal leadership, the Liberals will:
1. Never have supported the choice of woman to an abortion.
2. Anyone who says the Liberals did is obviously an evil Neo-Con who only wants to smear the noble Canadian Values of the Liberal Party.
I'm surprised you don't understand how things work.
Posted by: Richard Pearson at January 28, 2006 02:06 AM
Don't forget that McKenna took part, and actually orchestrated, the famous meeting where he was supposedly read the riot act by Cheney--all to foster anti-Americanism to help the Liberals win the election. He did not speak up and tell the truth about that meeting--just like a true Liberal, anything for a win.
Posted by: George at January 28, 2006 08:22 AM
Angry, why would you draw attention to this now? Wait for him to be named Liberal Leader.
Posted by: Matt at January 28, 2006 10:43 AM
It's ok, the Liberals wouldn't elect McKenna anyway what with quality candidates like Hedy Fry on the ballot (source: http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20060127_090711_5664 )
Posted by: nbpolitico at January 28, 2006 05:21 PM
Mac,
You left out some of the lib/left manifesto:
16) They must believe that interest group lawyers and Supreme Court judges are selfless heroes and doctors are overpaid.
17) They must believe that guns in the hands of farmers, hunters and other law-abiding citizens are more of a threat than nuclear weapons in the hands of the mullahs of Iran.
18) They must believe the free market that gives us 500+ channels of entertainment can't deliver the quality that CBC and the CRTC do.
19) They must believe the Conservatives are scary, because they stand up for the family and the rule of law, while the Human Rights Commissions are good, because they attempt to create new definitions of family and rule of law out of thin air.
20) They must believe that Adrienne Clarkson, Buzz Hargrove and Sheila Copps are more important to Canadian history than John A. MacDonald, Arthur Currie, or Laura Secord. (Parenthetically or, perhaps pathetically, do the Jack Pack and the Martinites even know who the latter three are? Based on the former Liberal cabinet's demonstrated knowledge of Canadian WW2 history, I seriously doubt it. http://paulmartintime.ca/mediacoverage/000446.html http://www.torontofreepress.com/2002/weinreb91602.htm )
21) They must believe that second-hand smoke is more dangerous than HIV.
22) They must believe Belinda Stronach is really a lady and Rick Mercer is really funny.
23) They must believe that conservatives are racists, but that minorities couldn't make it without the help of liberals.
Posted by: felix at January 28, 2006 05:28 PM
Forget Belinda lets start the draft Hedy movement.
A true monument that the leftist parties have fully embraced the moonbats, and are now totally gone loony.
How can you debate someone who "rejects your reality, and substitute my own" (to paraphrase mythbusters)?
Posted by: Curtis at January 28, 2006 06:29 PM
Thanks for those, felix... Let's see if I can round it up to 25 and then I'm gonna email them to all of my friends!!
24- They have to believe all large businesses are inherently evil... except those run by the millionaires who lead the party.
25- They have to believe that people work hard for the sole purpose of paying their taxes, therefore any tax cut is wrong because it takes away the incentive to work.
How's that, folks?
Posted by: Mac at January 28, 2006 10:52 PM
Way to go Mac! Should we try for 54 and see if we can match Paul Martin's 54 priorities from the recent campaign?
If your e-mail list includes any "progressives", you may get some fairly whiny blowback, especially about 1); 5); 6); 9); 14); 17); 19); and 25). I think they actually consider it to be heresy (or at least un-Canadian) not to believe these.
Posted by: felix at January 29, 2006 03:14 PM
I got some replies from the more "progressives" who complained the list was an example of Bush-style conservatism. I replied asking where Bush's name was mentioned in the list since I didn't see it. No-one replied to that as yet.
It's just as well I sent the list when I did as I've just sworn off of mocking liberals (per Dr. Dawg's posts on other thread). I hope I can contain my mirth as some of the more radical libs just beg to be mocked...
Posted by: Mac at January 30, 2006 01:14 AM
Scott Brison. He'll obviously stand up for both SSM and abortion. And as a bonus to Conservatives, he'll be the final stake into the liberals black heart.
Posted by: Irwin Daisy at January 30, 2006 11:31 AM
 
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