"ALRANZ welcomes the result of the Canadian federal elections, as Mr.Chretien supported a woman's right to choose safe
and legal abortion, and increased his Liberal Party majority by at least ten seats. We congratulate him on his third
successive term of office, and commend Mr. Chretien, Progressive Conservative leader Mr.Joe Clark, and New Democrat
Party leader Alexa McDonogh for their support for women's reproductive choice across the political spectrum." said
ALRANZ Research Officer Craig Young as he commented on the outcome of yesterday's Canadian federal elections.
"Mr.Chretien faced a challenge from Stockwell Day, a right-wing fundamentalist Christian supporter of the anti-abortion
movement and citizens initiated referenda -and weathered that challenge. Day's right-wing Canadian Alliance (former
Reform) Party only secured effective representation in Western Canada. This is not an endorsement of the radical
Christian Right agenda, and it is clear that the radical protest tactics of fringe anti-abortion groups like Campaign
Life Canada have alienated mainstream Canadian voters from the likes of Day. It is good to see that at least one part of
North America is willing to challenge political and religious extremism."
"One hopes that SPUC, Right to Life New Zealand, the Christian Heritage Party and the rest of the "raving right" take
notice of our Commonwealth counterpart."
Contact: Craig Young ALRANZ Research Officer 06 3569099/ 7750
Dr Margaret Sparrow ALRANZ National President 04 4759886