Canadian Parliament Attempts To Legalize Euthanasia (Bill C-384)
What You Can Do to Stop the Legalization of Euthanasia
What Clergy Can Do to Stop the Legalization of Euthanasia
See Bill C-384 online here
See more details about Bill C-384 here and here
It has been tried before without success, but it's being tried again. The difference this time is that it seems the general public is more apathetic to permitting legalized euthanasia. On May 13, 2009, Francine Lalonde, MP, introduced Bill C-384: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity). Bill C-384, if passed, will legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. In order not to "let our guard down", and in anticipation of the possibility that this bill may pass, many dioceses, groups, organizations, and individuals have been busily working over the summer on defeating this attempt to legalize both euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Priests for Life Canada wants to thank and commend all those who have already been actively involved this summer through letter writing, visits to Members of Parliament and helping to educate others about this bill.
Given the political landscape of the country, now is the time for us to renew our efforts to defeat this bill and continue to protect the elderly, terminally ill, and handicapped in our society today. Priests for Life Canada is inviting all its members and all Catholic Parishes throughout Canada to join the efforts of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and work to defeat this piece of legislation.
Bill C-384 will have its first hour of debate in the House of Commons on September 29th during Private Members debate. Following the first hour of debate, the bill will then be debated for a second hour. It is anticipated that this second hour of debate will occur in mid-November. This will be a critical moment as there will be a vote following the debate. If enough MPs vote against Bill C-384, the bill is defeated and dies on the order paper.
It is imperative that this bill be defeated at second reading, otherwise, it goes to the Justice Committee for further study and eventually third reading, further debate, and a final vote. It is crucial that all individuals do whatever they can to defeat this bill. Therefore, we encourage you to do the following:
What You Can Do to Stop the Legalization of Euthanasia
- Be informed: Request a package of information about Bill C-384 and what you can do to defeat it from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, or contact Priests for Life Canada and we'll have a package sent to you. A complete analysis of the bill is also available online at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
- Copy and distribute the following two-page insert with your parish bulletin (with your Pastor's permission) in the upcoming weeks to alert parishioners about the issue. The insert includes information from both the Catholic Organization for Life and Family plus Priests for Life Canada. If you are unable to print the insert, please contact Priests for Life Canada at 1-888-300-2007.
- COLF insert (in pdf format)
- Priests for Life Canada Insert (in pdf format)
- Share copies of the insert with your family and friends, Catholic Women's League, Knights of Columbus, prayer groups, etc. Encourage them to take an active part to defeat this bill.
- Have your family and friends, and your parish take part in the national postcard campaign. Postcards can be purchased from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and be used at Sunday Mass, during a CWL or Knights of Columbus meeting, etc. Just add the name of your MP on the card. Postage is free. Contact the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
- Personally contact your own Member of Parliament (MP). Arrange to meet him/her when he/she is in the riding and share your concerns about Bill C-384. Ask him/her how they intend to vote on the bill. Encourage all your parishioners to do the same. Sample letters and more detailed information is available online at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Telephone: 1-877-439-3348. You can also E-mail your MP and/or all MPs in Canada at: www.contactmps.com. Ask MPs the following questions:
- Do you support Bill C-384?
- Do you support legislation to legalize euthanasia in Canada?
- Do you support legislation to legalize assisted suicide in Canada?
- Stay informed on the issue. Visit the following websites regularly for additional information about Bill C-384 and the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide:
Priests for Life Canada
www.priestsforlifecanada.com
and
Other Facts on Euthanasia
1-888-300-2007Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca
1-877-439-3348Catholic Organization for Life & Family
www.colf.ca
(613) 241-9461 x161
What Clergy Can Do to Stop the Legalization of Euthanasia
- Be informed: Request a package of information about Bill C-384 and what you can do to defeat it from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, or contact Priests for Life Canada and we'll have a package sent to you. A complete analysis of the bill is also available online at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
- Copy and distribute the following two-page insert with your parish bulletin in the upcoming weeks to alert parishioners about the issue. The insert includes information from both the Catholic Organization for Life and Family plus Priests for Life Canada. If you are unable to print the insert, please contact Priests for Life Canada at 1-888-300-2007.
- COLF insert (in pdf format)
- Priests for Life Canada Insert (in pdf format)
- Share copies of the insert with your Catholic Women's League, Knights of Columbus, prayer groups, etc. Encourage them to take an active part to defeat this bill.
- Have your parish take part in the national postcard campaign. Postcards can be purchased from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and be used at Sunday Mass, during a CWL or Knights of Columbus meeting, etc. Just add the name of your MP on the card. Postage is free. Contact the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
- Personally contact your own Member of Parliament (MP). Arrange to meet him/her when he/she is in the riding and share your concerns about Bill C-384. Ask him/her how they intend to vote on the bill. Encourage all your parishioners to do the same. Sample letters and more detailed information is available online at the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Telephone: 1-877-439-3348. You can also E-mail your MP and/or all MPs in Canada at: www.contactmps.com. Ask MPs the following questions:
- Do you support Bill C-384?
- Do you support legislation to legalize euthanasia in Canada?
- Do you support legislation to legalize assisted suicide in Canada?
- Stay informed on the issue. Visit the following websites regularly for additional information about Bill C-384 and the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide:
Priests for Life Canada
www.priestsforlifecanada.com
and
Other Facts on Euthanasia
1-888-300-2007Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca
1-877-439-3348Catholic Organization for Life & Family
www.colf.ca
(613) 241-9461 x161
