Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
CTV
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says.
Facing political pressure to clarify his stance as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill for an annual rally, Poilievre spokesperson Sebastian Skamski denied suggestions from the federal Liberals and New Democrats that the federal Conservatives were leaving the door open on the issue.
"A common sense Conservative government will not legislate on abortion and therefore would never use this section of the Constitution pertaining to this matter," he said.
His comments came in response to Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth Marci Ien questioning whether Poilievre's recent comments on the notwithstanding clause, coupled with Conservative MP Arnold Viersen raising an anti-abortion petition in the House of Commons, was an indication of where the party was headed.
"When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. If it's a woman's right to choose today what is it tomorrow? … This is, as I see it, a slippery slope," Ien said to reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday.
Ien was accompanied by fellow Liberal cabinet ministers Mark Holland and Patty Hajdu, who on the eve of the "March for Life" event also expressed concern about the Conservative party's opposition to the first phase of pharmacare, which intends to provide no-cost access to contraceptives.
Skamski called the ministers' comments "outlandish" and said they "show the true desperation of Justin Trudeau and his flailing Liberals."
A Saskatoon woman is warning others to use caution when doing business on buy and sell websites, after she was the target of a scammer.
Days ahead of his expected Liberal leadership campaign launch, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision to step down boosts the party's chance in the next general election.
A big name with ties to the city is expected to launch his bid to become the leader of the federal Liberal party, two sources tell CTV News Edmonton.
A public hearing for the controversial Grassy Mountain coal mining project will resume in Calgary on Tuesday.
Jalen Belle-McCormack, 20, from Toronto, is currently wanted on a warrant in connection to a shooting at a Waterloo business on May 18, 2024.
Sudbury’s automated speed enforcement cameras are moving to new locations this month.
An Ontario man who received a $620,000 medical bill from a Florida hospital is now relieved that his insurance company has reversed its decision and decided to pay the bill.
Longueuil police (SPAL) are investigating after a collision left a young man in critical in the Saint-Hubert borough on Monday night.
The B.C. Conservatives are ratcheting up claims there were "voting irregularities" in a pivotal riding – demanding an "urgent RCMP investigation" into the party's allegations.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says tariffs are coming and that its time to prepare - which has led to discussions in Saskatchewan over next steps.
More than 60 Canadian front-line firefighters are on their way to the Los Angeles area as part of international efforts to fight the raging wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed thousands homes.
A trial has started for a Manitoba man accused of running down and shooting his neighbour before fleeing the province.
A big name with ties to the city is expected to launch his bid to become the leader of the federal Liberal party, two sources tell CTV News Edmonton.
Two people in a passenger vehicle were killed Monday morning in a collision with a commercial motor vehicle on Highway 63 near Highway 533,
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has issued its first cold weather alert of the year.
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland will announce her intention to run for the Liberal party leadership just before the U.S. presidential inauguration, a source close to her campaign team says.
A dispute over a $2 million jackpot among members of a workplace lotto pool has been settled by B.C.'s Supreme Court.
Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating after a woman was stabbed in the Plateau.