News

By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Augustin Hamilton

As usual, I arrived at the vigil site at around 7h30. No sooner had I arrived than a first visitor arrived. Laurence is homeless and currently sleeping in one of Montreal's shelters for the homeless. She described it as very rough, with limited services. She said that the rules are not being enforced, and that men and women weren't respecting the zones set aside for them respectively. Some of her belongings have gone missing, and although meals are prepared, she believes she has had a bout of diarrhea as a result. She does not feel safe. She wants to get out. I offered her bottled water and a few dollars, and she left to find a better shelter. Jasper arrived soon after. He took over from me the care of the vigil this past September when I had left to do one in Sherbrooke. Since my return, he has taken a break and this morning he is going to meet a friend at a local café. Then my prayer partner, Caterina arrived. We began our prayers, and during which I realized that I had not seen any of the familiar faces that I associate with the abortion centre. As we prayed, Caterina and I were interrupted by a loud and angry middle-aged woman. We first noticed her standing on the curb taking a picture of us with her mobile phone. Dear reader, be aware that there is a certain notoriety to being on the sidewalks of Montreal defending life. Before continuing on her way, this woman made a few comments about how inappropriate it was to pray for an end to abortion in front of a university. (The abortion facility is located across the street from the university.) She added that by our presence and the signs hung around our necks (“Pray for an end to abortion,” “Pregnant? Worried? 1-855-871-4442 We Can Help You,” and “Choose Life”) were manipulating the students. I attempted a reply but this lady quickly interrupted me, saying that she was not interested in what I had to say and stormed off. Caterina and I caught our breath after this brief encounter and resumed our prayers. Visitors, prayer, and confrontation, today’s vigil was a full one.

Vigil 365 is an activity of the Quebec Life Coalition since February 2020 in which prayer volunteers gather near an abortion facility to pray for an end to abortion. We chose to meet at the intersection of Berri and Ste Catherine streets because there were five abortuaries within a half-kilometre radius from that spot. (One of them has since moved to another location.) The activity takes place daily and lasts either ninety minutes or twelve hours depending on the time of year. Interested people are welcome to participate and can learn more by calling (438) 930-8643.

By Quebec Life Coalition - Photo: Théovox Actualités/YouTube

On the evening of Thursday, November 14th, Georges Buscemi, President of Campagne Québec-Vie / Quebec Life Coalition, appeared live on Théovox Actualités with Jean-François Denis to share his reflections on the trial challenging Quebec’s 50-meter buffer zones. This interview marked the conclusion of a week-long legal battle, during which Buscemi testified at the Superior Court of Quebec, advocating for the rights of pro-life advocates and women in crisis. The following account summarizes what Georges presented during this live interview, which can be viewed in its entirety (in French) here:

A Mission of Hope Versus Discrimination

Buscemi recounted how these bubble zones, introduced by a provincial law in 2016, prohibit pro-life advocates from offering compassionate support to women near abortion facilities. He emphasized that sidewalk counseling, which typically involves one or two individuals peacefully presenting alternatives to abortion, is meant to provide hope and practical solutions. He described how the law unfairly labels pro-life advocates as aggressors, turning their peaceful actions into prohibited activities.

“We offer help, we don’t impose it,” Buscemi explained during the interview. He stressed that their approach is rooted in respect and care, not intimidation. He also pointed out that existing laws, such as the Criminal Code of Canada, already address harassment and obstruction, rendering the bubble zones unnecessary.

On November 11, 2024, I had the honor of testifying at the Montreal Courthouse before the Superior Court of Quebec in our case against the Government of Quebec. Our goal is clear: to eliminate the 50-meter bubble zone surrounding abortion facilities across Quebec, zones that prevent us from providing support to pregnant women in need outside these centers.

On October 30, the Quebec government authorized advance requests for euthanasia for people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s—despite the federal Criminal Code’s prohibition. Instead of enforcing the law, Ottawa has opted for a “consultation,” effectively giving Quebec free rein. We need your voice! Sign our petition calling on the Quebec government to repeal this dangerous law.

No to Euthanasia by Advance Request – Sign Today

Protect Our Children: Petition Against Harmful Sex Education Initiatives

HPV Global Action, an organization promoting aggressive sexual education, is pushing programs that threaten our children's well-being. Help us protect Quebec’s kids by signing our petition.

Protect Kids in Quebec – Sign Today

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This is a decisive time, and I invite every one of you, friends and supporters of Quebec Life Coalition, to stand with us through prayer and action. Whether by signing our petitions, spreading our message, or lifting up our cause in prayer, every gesture matters in defending life’s dignity and our freedom to support women in need. Thank you for your faithful commitment to this mission.

For Life,

Georges Buscemi
President, Quebec Life Coalition

By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: gpointstudio/Freepik

Building a culture of life is a top-down exercise. God, our creator, is atop and we, his creatures, below, conforming to his precepts, acting in accord, in one heart, with him.

An example of this happened past week. Jennifer, a woman with whom I work closely, received a phone call. It was from a mother that she and I had helped some time ago. This mother was calling on behalf of another mother whose child had outgrown his clothes and so the mother wondered whether another needy mother could benefit from a gift of these clothes, two boxes full. She contacted her friend who remembered Jennifer. Jennifer called me to ask if Daniella, who had twins three weeks ago, would be interested. As I later found out, she was. So began a chain of events to deliver the clothes.

The U.S. elections on November 5th were historic—and the issue of abortion was front and center. Donald Trump emerged as the clear victor. While his pro-life stance is not as strong as we might hope, he remains a key figure opposing pro-abortion agendas, defending Christians' freedoms, banning minor "transitions," and upholding family values. Between Trump and Kamala Harris, who champions a pro-abortion, pro-LGBT, and anti-Christian agenda, this outcome offers a crucial boost to the pro-life and pro-family movements—even here in Canada.

At the same time, citizens across ten U.S. states voted on pivotal abortion-related amendments. While pro-abortion forces won in seven states, three states saw victories for pro-life advocates, reminding us that every effort matters.

Upcoming Legal Battle: Challenge Against Quebec’s Buffer Zone Law

In Quebec, we are taking a stand. The Quebec Life Coalition is set to challenge the province’s 50-meter buffer zone law, which bans pro-life sidewalk counselling within a 50-meter radius of abortion facilities. Our case will be heard at the Montreal courthouse, beginning on Monday, November 11, and will continue through November 18. This is a critical moment for our rights to advocate for life.

Sign Our Petition: No to Euthanasia by Advance Request

On October 30, the Quebec government authorized advance requests for euthanasia for people with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s—despite the federal Criminal Code’s prohibition. Instead of enforcing the law, Ottawa has opted for a “consultation,” effectively giving Quebec free rein. We need your voice! Sign our petition calling on the Quebec government to repeal this dangerous law.

No to Euthanasia by Advance Request – Sign Today

Protect Our Children: Petition Against Harmful Sex Education Initiatives

HPV Global Action, an organization promoting aggressive sexual education, is pushing programs that threaten our children's well-being. Help us protect Quebec’s kids by signing our petition.

Protect Kids in Quebec – Sign Today

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Pro-Life Event for English-Speaking Youth in Montreal

On November 9th, we’re hosting an event for young, pro-life members of Montreal’s English-speaking community. We welcome any young person who speaks English and is passionate about defending life. You can find all the event details here: https://en.cqv.qc.ca/nov9prolife. For those waiting for a French-language event, don’t worry—we’re planning a similar gathering in early 2025, with more details coming soon!

RSVP for youth pro-life event>>

Let’s stand together to defend life, faith, and family values in Quebec and beyond. Your signature and support are essential in these battles.

Thank you for standing with us.

For Life,
Augustin Hamilton

By Quebec Life Coalition — Photo: thodonal/Adobe Stock

Montreal, QC — November 7, 2024

Campagne Québec-Vie (also known as Quebec Life Coalition), a prominent pro-life organization in Quebec, is set to bring its case against the province’s 50-meter buffer zone law before the Quebec Superior Court. The trial, presided over by the Honorable Justice Lysane Cree, will be held at the Montreal courthouse in room 16.12, beginning on Monday, November 11, and is expected to continue through November 18.

The plaintiffs—Dr. Roseline Lebel Caron, Brian Jenkins, and Campagne Québec-Vie—are challenging Article 16.1 of Quebec’s Health and Social Services Law. Enacted in 2016, this legislation prohibits demonstrations within 50 meters of any facility where abortions are committed. The law, aimed at preventing protestors from dissuading women seeking abortions or condemning clinic workers, threatens penalties for peaceful gatherings near these facilities.

Campagne Québec-Vie contends that this law infringes upon their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by both the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Rights and Freedoms. In their arguments, the plaintiffs emphasize that the buffer zone law goes beyond safeguarding public order and instead hinders legitimate public discourse on a contentious issue.

By Arpad Nagy (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Freepik

I am sure many of us were intently watching the outcome of the election last night, as so much hangs in the balance with who is elected in the USA.

But did you know that ten of the fifty states had ballot questions on abortion?

Since the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, the responsibility to legislate on abortion was given back to the individual states. What this means is that it is no longer the federal government of the USA that dictates abortion policy, but each individual state. Since the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, the abortion lobby has been hard at work to enshrine abortion into the legislation or constitution of each individual state. At the midterms in 2022, they succeeded in expanding the right to abortion in many states.

Last night, the abortion question was on the ballot in ten states. Here are the results:

Arizona proposed a piece of legislation to create a fundamental right to abortion up until 24 weeks of pregnancy. Up until now, Arizona permitted abortion up until 15 weeks of pregnancy. The proposition is going to pass, with 61.7% in favour, with 61% of the question ballots counted as of this morning. Pro-life has lost a lot of ground in Arizona.

Un des jumeaux de Daniella.

By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)

Enceinte et Inquiète – This week, Daniella gave birth to her twin. Mother and children are doing well. (see pics)

Photos of Daniella's twin babies.

40 Days for Life – The 40-day prayer vigil for the end of abortion ended this past Sunday, November 3, 2024. Since Wednesday, September 25, 2024, we were present near one of the two abortion facilities in the eastern township community of Sherbrooke. Between five and six prayer volunteers came regularly to witness for life. On the last day, we held a small memorial prayer near the abortion centre for the victims of abortion. We then moved on to a local church for a roundup of the 40-day experience. At this time, we were blessed to have a woman share about her nursing experience of caring for mothers and new borns in the obstetrics unit of a local hospital. She also shared how she complemented her nursing training with a midwife course, learning other techniques that she had been hitherto unaware of, and which helped her further her work at the neonatal unit.

Vigil 365 – I returned to the streets of Montreal this past Monday morning, continuing the Vigil 365 program, being joined by the stalwarts present during my absence – Céline, Junior, and Mary. Of note was an exchange which occurred this morning. While praying with Mary, we were approached by a young man, mid-twenties, whose initially expressed disagreement with the message printed on the sign hanging around my neck: “Pray for the end of abortion.” He defended the need for abortions because, he argued, humans make mistakes and need means to correct these. He added that he had had a sexual encounter which resulted in a pregnancy. He recognized the foolishness of his action and being young man without the means to start a family, the child was aborted. In response, I pointed to the sign worn by Mary indicating support for an unplanned pregnancy. To my surprise, he congratulated us on this initiative and pulled out of his pocket a $5 bill which he promptly gave to me. He then walked away with a young woman who had been accompanying him.

I’m writing today to share urgent news about a new offensive launched by the Trudeau Liberal government. This attack targets pro-life crisis pregnancy centres across Canada, aiming to strip their charitable status. Under the guise of “transparency,” this move is, in reality, an attempt to undermine the centres that offer life-affirming alternatives to abortion and vital support to women in distress, such as baby formula, diapers, baby clothes, and professional counselling.

These centres are being singled out for not “clearly stating” that they do not offer abortion services, even though their mission is to protect and support both the mother and her child. This so-called transparency requirement is nothing more than a weapon to set up these organizations for failure and ultimately shut them down. How can we build a trusting dialogue with a woman in crisis, who may be feeling panicked about an unexpected pregnancy, if we’re forced to announce our opposition to abortion in bold letters at the entrance? Such a demand discourages any potential for meaningful conversation and support—the very goal of the Liberals: to sabotage our efforts to save mothers and children.

We refuse to back down in the face of this ideological persecution. We at Quebec Life Coalition have already made peace with not having charitable status and we will continue, no matter what obstacles are thrown our way, to assist women in distress. Through our Enceinte et inquiète (Pregnant, Need Help) service, we offer tangible help and compassionate solutions. Take Danielle’s story as an example: despite facing numerous challenges, she found hope for her future and her two unborn children through our support. This is the real "choice" we champion—a choice for life, love, and care. You can read her story here.

Meanwhile, Quebec is moving forward today, October 30th, with an expansion of euthanasia laws. Now, individuals suffering from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s can make advance requests for euthanasia. This widening of euthanasia access reflects a culture that increasingly values death over life, leaving the most vulnerable at risk. It fosters an environment where human life is devalued and where the frailest members of our society may feel like burdens.

Urgent Petition to Protect Our Children:

Lastly, I invite you to sign our petition against HPV Global Action, an organization promoting early sexual education that is aggressive and harmful to our children’s well-being. You can sign the petition here.

Protect Kids in Quebec – Sign today.

Pro-Life Event for English-Speaking Youth in Montreal

On November 9th, we’re hosting an event for young, pro-life members of Montreal’s English-speaking community. We welcome any young person who speaks English and is passionate about defending life. You can find all the event details here: https://en.cqv.qc.ca/nov9prolife. For those waiting for a French-language event, don’t worry—we’re planning a similar gathering in early 2025, with more details coming soon!

RSVP for youth pro-life event>>

Your support is crucial. Together, we must continue to fight for a culture of life, despite the repeated attacks on our values and actions. We will keep you informed about the steps we’re taking to defend our pregnancy centres and challenge this unjust, punitive legislation.

For Life,

Georges Buscemi
President, Quebec Life Coalition

By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition) – Photo: fizkes/Adobe Stock

Because of the precarious situation of one of the two infants that she is carrying – her physician thinks the child is underweight, there was talk of an inducing her delivery at the 34-week mark. Yet, matters seem to be working themselves out as she is currently in her 35th week. The wellbeing of the other child is ok, gaining weight.

Danielle requires your on-going prayers as issues regarding paying her rent and having sufficient groceries have come up over the past week. We ae accompanying her with both challenges and others, providing short term and longer-term aid.

Recently, our community of well-wisher have stepped forward to provide her with a wide range of products in anticipation of the delivery of her twins – car baby seats, clothing, undersized diapers for premature children, and plenty of wipes among other items, and even an iron so she can press the newborns clothes.

In other maternal news, we have recently delivered a box of infant clothes to Marie as her little girl, born this past April, is outgrowing her wardrobe. Marc, a long-time QLC volunteer, and Arpad working together delivered a box of clothing originating in Drummondville.