By Georges Buscemi (Quebec Life Coalition) — Photo: Augustin Hamilton

We are often reminded that we live under a so-called "liberal" regime, that is, a system founded upon "fundamental freedoms": freedom of religion, assembly, and expression. In Quebec, this liberalism is supposed to be protected by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, adopted 50 years ago. Whether or not we agree with all its principles, in theory, we should be living under this rule of law.

However, the reality experienced during our March for Life on May 31, 2025, clearly demonstrates otherwise. If we truly had the right to peacefully demonstrate and freely express ourselves in the public square, the police would not have allowed a group of counter-protesters to intimidate us and drown out our speeches with whistles, shouting, and smoke from smoke devices. Nor would they have tolerated repeated disruptions of our march, nor permitted hostile agitators to infiltrate and openly violate our right to peaceful assembly.

Logically, the police should have intervened decisively to restore order. Acting firmly against these counter-protesters would not have violated their rights, for anyone actively working to deny the rights of others forfeits the right to complain when prevented from causing harm. A thief cannot seriously cry injustice when stopped from committing further theft.

By Augustin Hamilton (Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Georges Buscemi

It was an epic and wet march!

This year, once again, we held the Quebec City March for Life despite all the obstacles that were thrown in our path and despite the rain.

Around 500 to 600 pro-lifers answered the call from Quebec Life Coalition and marched for the lives of unborn children through the streets of Quebec City on May 31th 2025.

Photo: Augustin Hamilton

The theme of the march was "Every human being has the right to life". This is a quote from the Quebec Charter, the 50th anniversary of which is being celebrated this year.

Photo: AH

By Brian Jenkins (Quebec Life Coalition)

40 Days for Life

The 40-day prayer vigil to end of abortion ended this past Sunday, April 13. Between ten and twelve people showed up for the 3 p.m. conclusion. At that time, we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on the streets of Montreal. The group then moved to the chapel across the street where we spent thirty minutes in Eucharistic Adoration before closing with a time of fraternity at a local restaurant.

A few of the vigil highlights include: an increase in volunteers to pray at the vigil downtown location, more occurrences in pro-life apologetics, and meeting with men and women grieving a past abortion or miscarriage.

Enceinte? Inquiète?

In 2024, we were blessed to help between four and five women carry their child to term. Now in 2025, they are celebrating the one-year anniversary of these children. I’ve been invited to two birthday parties. Two of the women we've helped gave birth to twins, one set is pictured below.

By Quebec Life Campaign - Photo: deagreez/Adobe Stock

To estimate Quebec's current population if the birth rate of the 1950s had been maintained, let's proceed as follows:

1. Determine Quebec's birth rate in the 1950s:

• The total fertility rate (TFR) in Quebec in the 1950s peaked at about 4.1 children per woman.

QE.CIRANO.QC.CA

• The crude birth rate (CBR) was around 28.9 births per 1,000 inhabitants in 1947, which is representative of the 1950s period.

WWW150.STATCAN.GC.CA

2. Comparing with the current birth rate:

By 2023, the TFR in Quebec has fallen to 1.38 children per woman, one of the lowest levels in the province's history.

STATISTIQUE.QUEBEC.CA

• The current CBR is approximately 9 births per 1,000 inhabitants.

STATISTIQUE.QUEBEC.CA

3. Analyse demographic trends :

• In 1951, Quebec's population was approximately 4.1 million.

CLAUDELAFLEUR.QC.CA

Today, it is estimated at around 8.7 million.

STATISTIQUE.QUEBEC.CA

4. Estimate alternative population growth:

• If the high birth rate of the 1950s had been maintained, natural population growth would have been significantly higher.
• Using demographic growth models, we can estimate that the current population of Quebec would be between 15 and 20 million, or even more.

This means that, without the drop in the fertility rate since the 1960s, Quebec's population would be more than double its current size. The decline in the birth rate since the Quiet Revolution has therefore had a major impact on the province's demographic growth.à

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.

WWW150.STATCAN.GC.CA

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.

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.

By Brian Jenkins 9Quebec Life Coalition) - Photo: Syda Productions/Adobe Stock

You are all invited to participate in a Lenten fundraiser to support the pregnancy help service run of the Quebec Life Coalition.

About ten years ago, the QLC created “Enceinte? Inquiète?” to help women in difficult pregnancies. Over time, the program has expanded to include post-abortion counseling, early childhood and family care, and has twice helped mothers carrying twins.

The fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the parish hall of the Church Saint Ambroise, 1215 Beaubien Street East, Montreal, H2S 1T8. Access to the hall is either through the church or from the side street – 6520, rue de Normanville.

The evening will have a Lenten theme, as the 40-days of Lent began the Wednesday before the fundraiser. There will be a Eucharistic Celebration (i.e., Mass) at 4p.m., followed by a social in the church hall downstairs. The menu will be in keeping with the spirit of Lent - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

In addition, a number of speakers have been invited to share their thoughts on theme of how to support pregnant women and their families in our current culture. Among them will be the People's Party of Canada candidate for the next federal election, Ms. Denise Corderre.

Over the past ten years, "Enceinte? Inquiète?" has been contacted an average of eighty to one hundred times a year.

Admission to the evening is by either by making a monetary donation or by bringing a maternity item. Examples of the latter include diapers (all sizes), baby toiletries, sanitary napkins, a baby carrier, bath towels, baby milk, breast feeding pads, diaper carry bag.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (438) 930-8643.

Pregnant? Worried?

Support Désirée's Need

Désirée called us on Christmas Eve. Fourteen weeks pregnant and without food or shelter, she had found the Quebec Life Coalition’s free hotline number on the Internet and called us.

Since that first call, we have stayed in touch, both by phone and in person. On several occasions we met in coffee shops; twice I invited her and her partner to our office for a meal, and once I met them at a hospital.

There have also been periods of silence when my phone calls and text messages went unanswered, a sign of the struggles.

The lack of stability in Désirée’s life was palpable. Whether on the phone or in person, her voice shows signs of strain and it isn't unusual that she breaks down in tears. I’m sure her unborn child is feeling her mother's anxiety.

Things seemed to stabilize at the end of December. She and her partner found a place to stay in a shelter. Désirée was offered a private room, as were the other women, while he was placed in a men's dormitory. Meals were provided three times a day, although both told me that the portions were meager.

Unfortunately, the conditions at the shelter deteriorated. The residents were harsh with her and made fun of her pregnancy. Eventually, Désirée felt compelled to leave.

Not only does she have to contend with her pregnancy, but the lack of stability in her life, coupled with a low self-esteem, all contribute to a harsh battle Désirée faces. A couple of weeks ago, in a moment of panic, she went to a local hospital to ask for an abortion. Frustrated with the service she was receiving, she called us to vent and soon left the hospital with the child in tact.

She is currently staying in a rooming house where the fees are quite high. She was able to afford the first few days but has asked us for help for the rest of the month. Two benefactors have already stepped forward to defray a portion of her expenses. If you are able to help out, we, Désirée, and her unborn child would all be grateful.

A gift may be made by calling (514) 344-2686, or by an Interac money transfer to the email address [email protected] , or going to our website www.cqv.qc.ca and specifying “Désirée” in the empty box near your address when making the gift.

Last Friday, I took part in a francophone pastors’ meeting in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. This seasonal event brings together over 30 pastors and several faith organizations. The goal of these meetings is to create a better community and collaboration among churches in the area, as well as to address the particular needs and challenges that we face. I was happy to represent the pro-life work that we do at Quebec Life Coalition. It is great to see that despite the particularities of each church, Christians come together to better advance the kingdom of God in our cities. It is great to see that churches are open to the pro-life message and are not remaining silent at the fate of the pre-born in our country. 

Photo: Arpad Nagy

I am looking forward to an increased participation from all faith communities in the upcoming National March for Life in Ottawa (May 9^th) and in our own Quebec March for Life in Quebec City (May 31^st). To that effect, we would be happy to talk to church leaders about how to get involved in pro-life work as a church, and we’d love to give a pro-life presentation in your community. The March for Life is in around 4 months, and now is the time to start talking about it. Four months will pass quickly, so it would be great to see announcements in church bulletins soon!

Photo: Luc Angers. Luc Angers (director of UVVC and one of the event organizers) with one of the host from the church Le Centre in Orleans)

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.