Who is Mark Carney, Canada's new Prime Minister?
Mark Carney.
Blog by Augustin Hamilton (Quebec Life Coalition) – Photo: World Economic Forum/Flickr/Wikimedia Commons
Justin Trudeau's long resignation is finally coming to an end. Mark Carney, elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in the party's leadership race, today becomes Prime Minister of Canada.
But who is this Mark Carney who becomes Prime Minister without being elected by the population, at least until the end of the next election?
He is what you might call a banker, having worked among other things for Goldman Sachs for 13 years before becoming Governor of the Bank of Canada and then the Bank of England. He advised Justin Trudeau on economic issues during the "pandemic". He was recently the chairman of the board of the Brookfield Asset Management investment. He is the UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance. He has also participated in the G20, the G7, was Chairman of the Advisory Board of the progressive think tank Canada 2020, a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, chairman of the Group of Thirty, and a member of the boards of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard University Overseers and the Rideau Hall Foundation.
Finally, Mark Carney is a Catholic and reportedly goes to Mass every week.
In general, Mr Carney seems to be fairly discreet about his moral convictions. With one rare exception, on June 24th, 2022, he wrote a tweet on the occasion of the Dobbs ruling (overturning the Roe ruling) by the US Supreme Court, deploring the rollback of "woman’s right to choose" (i.e. abortion):
"I’m proud to live in a country where a woman’s right to choose is so strongly supported. But the devastating decision today in the US is a clear reminder that progress should never be taken for granted.
Our commitment to protecting fundamental rights must be unwavering."
His message at the time indicates that Mark Carney is pro-abortion, which is not surprising given his success in becoming leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Read moreHas Quebec passed the million-abortion mark since 1970?
By Quebec Life Coalition - Photo: Pxhere
In 1969, abortion was decriminalised in Canada and, that same year, Henry Morgentaler opened an abortion clinic in Montreal, marking the beginning of a barbaric and murderous era in Quebec. Since then, the number of abortions has risen significantly. According to available data, nearly a million abortions have been performed in Quebec over the years!
The 1970s
Following the legalisation of therapeutic abortion in 1969, the number of reported abortions in Canada began to rise. In 1974, around 12% of pregnancies in Canada ended in abortion, a proportion that had risen to 19% by 1992.
Between 1977 and 1980, there were 33,000 abortions. In those years, Quebec accounted for less than a quarter of all abortions in Canada. British Columbia had more and Ontario nearly four times as many... There may have been around 30,000 abortions in the 1970s (excluding 1980). There were relatively few abortions in Quebec in the early 1970s, thanks to the resistance of pro-life doctors who refused to set up abortion committees.
Read moreQuebec Is a Victim Not of Trump, but of Its Own Choices
By Quebec Life Coalition — Photo : TravelScape/Freepik
If Quebec had maintained its birthrate from the 1950s, its current population would be nearing 20 million people. In other words, the demographic strength that once gave it weight and autonomy would today serve as a natural shield against any economic or political blackmail, whether from Ottawa or Washington. But that is not the case. Why? Because Quebecers themselves have sabotaged their future by succumbing to the illusions of hedonism and materialism.
From a Strong People to an Aging Population
In the 1950s, Quebec was a vibrant society where each family had, on average, four children. This dynamism allowed the Quebec nation to have influence on both the Canadian and international stage. Today, after decades of contraception, mass abortions, and the systematic rejection of the Christian values that once shaped our society, Quebec finds itself in a state of serious decline. With a fertility rate of just 1.4 children per woman, far below the replacement threshold, it has become a society on the path to extinction.
The United States, whether led by Donald Trump or any other president, does not need to threaten Quebec—Quebec is condemning itself. The economic blackmail that some fear—higher tariffs, forced inclusion as the 51st state, pressure on exports—only holds power because of Quebec’s own weakness. A large, rooted, and prosperous people does not fear power struggles; it dictates them. But an aging, economically dependent, and ideologically divided people can do nothing but take the blows.
Read morePrayer Volunteers Needed - 40 Days for Life
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)
The start of our bi-annual prayer for the end of abortion is fast approaching.
40 Days for Life will begin on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, that is Ash Wednesday, and run through to Sunday, April 13 for a total of 40 consecutive days of pro-life advocacy.
HELPING TO END THE INJUSTICE OF ABORTION
During these forty days we will work to end the injustice of abortion through three proven and effective methods: 1. Prayer and fasting; 2. Constant vigil; and 3. Community Outreach.
The vigil will consist of a visible, public presence near an abortion business in our community. To this end, we will continue our long-standing tradition of holding the vigil at the corner of Berri and St. Catherine Streets. Not only is this location close to an abortion facility, but it is also highly visible.
Read moreA curse and a blessing
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)
One day this past week, I had three exchanges, albeit of short duration, all with ladies.
Visitor no. 1 – an elderly woman of about 65 years of age, stops in front of me and reads the sign I have hung around my neck before crossing the road. After a moment I asked her: “What do you think about abortion?” To my surprise, she replied: “What do YOU think about abortion?” I talked about the importance of respecting life from conception to a natural death, and she agreed. A few more words were exchanged and then she left.
Visitor no. 2 – a younger woman with a French accent got off the bus and waited for the light to change so she could cross. She gave me a contemptuous sideways glance and muttered: “Haven't you got anything better to do?” I replied: “What do you think about abortion?” to which she rudely replied, “Allez vous faire foutre !” and walked away.
The third lady, about the same age, who had also got off the same bus, overheard my exchange with the second lady and looked at me sympathetically. I said to her: “It happens every now and then.” To which she replied, “I think you are brave.”
Vigil 365 – Monday, November 18, 2024, A little of everything
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.
Defending Pro-Life Speech Against Quebec’s 50m Bubble Zones: Georges Buscemi’s Reflections
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.
Read more40 Days for Life - spreading the pro-life message
Brian Jenkins.
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)
Many blessings are being received at this fall’s prayer vigil for the end of abortion in Sherbrooke.
Since the vigil began this past Wednesday, September 25, a small yet devoted group of men and women have been maintaining a prayerful presence in this Eastern Township community, near the abortion facility located on Belvedere Street on the southern side of the city.
Particularly meritorious is the outreach that is being done. Outside the abortion facility’s operating hours, volunteers frequently gather a five-minute walk away at the busy intersection of Belvedere and Galt Streets to carry the pro-life message to the rush-hour commuters and weekend shoppers, and they are doing so with remarkable success.
For example, on one evening while in discussion with a local itinerant, I was approached by a young man who seemed genuinely sincere to understand how I can encourage others to pray for the end of abortion. (These are the words inscribed upon the sign that hangs around my neck.)
Read moreLiberals introduce motion against pro-life pregnancy centres
Parliament of Canada.
By Arpad Nagy (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Arpad Nagy
Yesterday, for the first time ever, I attended the question period in the house of commons in Ottawa.
And what a day it was!
The Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Hon. Marci Ien, tabled a motion in the house “that contains our plan to require more transparency from charities that use deceptive tactics to push women away from making their own reproductive decisions”. So in short, the liberals, with the help of the NDP and BLOC, are starting their all-out attack on pro-life pregnancy centres.
So many members of parliament from those parties spoke out today against pregnancy centres. So many pregnancy centres provide crucial services to pregnant women and to mothers! Women who receive counseling, financial aid, baby items such as diapers, clothes, food, toys, etc… and all of this free of charge!!! The push to shut down these extraordinary centres that help women who want to have their children is so uncomprehensible!
Jeff Gunnerson, president of Campaign Life Coalition took quick action and wrote a letter to Pierre Poilievre, urging him and the conservative caucus to oppose this motion. He writes: “This legislation is nothing more than evidence of a Liberal vendetta against pro-life organizations that offer women more choices other than abortion, such as adoption and parenting. (…) With this proposed legislation, the Liberal Party is once again reaffirming that it is not the party of ‘choice’ but the party of abortion as the only choice.”
Read moreDiscussion on a sidewalk: "What do you think about abortion?"
By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition) - Picture: L'Odyssée de la Vie/YouTube
Sunday morning, I arrived at the vigil location, my prayer partner Denis awaiting my arrival. We chatted and after making a few prayer intentions began a rosary.
Despite being a Sunday morning, the vigil location, the intersection of Berri and St. Catherine Streets, was not deserted. One group that is drawn to this spot are the rideshare travellers, men and woman who come here to meet drivers that will take them to Ottawa, Quebec City and elsewhere.
Today, one traveller caught my attention. A petite young woman, about twenty-five years old, arrived shortly after I did travel bags in hand. Alone, I was surprised how close she stood or walked around Denis and me. She moved around, at times in front of Denis and I, at other moments, behind us, always maintaining a close distance to us.
No eye contact had yet been made between the young lady and me, not until standing some fifteen feet away, she gestured impolitely with her hand towards me. I took this as a sign of an openness to exchange.
“What do you think about abortion?” I asked. So began an exchange lasting until her driver arrived and she got in and left.
Read more