OTTAWA, Jan. 24, 2006 Commenting on the results of the federal election, the Catholic Civil Rights League today renewed its commitment to work with MPs of all political stripes in the new Parliament. Canadians have elected a Conservative minority.
The need to restore stable communities, including a true understanding of marriage, strong families and accountable government are among the many issues people considered when they voted. League members were particularly concerned about the level of discourse during the marriage debates in the previous Parliament, and in particular suggestions that ones faith should be excluded from matters of public policy, said League President Phil Horgan. The League, our individual and institutional members, and our colleagues in inter-faith coalitions, devoted a great deal of time and effort to electing candidates who support the traditional definition of marriage, and whose views on other moral issues are in line with those of the majority of Canadians.
We have always maintained an active dialogue with all governments in our efforts to enrich public debate with Catholic teachings. We look forward to working with MPs from all parties in the new Parliament.
Throughout the campaign, the League provided non-partisan voter information on its website, including downloadable articles integrating the official documents of the Church about the duties of the Catholic voter and the Catholic politician. The site also included features to help people locate their riding and their MP, and links to other organizations. As a member of the Defend Marriage coalition, the League participated in a pamphlet encouraging people to get involved in the democratic process and briefly summarizing the positions of the major parties on some key moral issues.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca.