MP Mark Warawa’s Motion 408 to condemn sex-selection abortion was declared non-votable Thursday morning by a Parliamentary subcommittee. Sponsored by BC MP Mark Warawa, Motion 408 is not a legislative proposal. It is simply a statement, which states:
“That the House condemn discrimination against females occurring through sex-selective pregnancy termination.”
Mark Warawa has decided to appeal the Subcommittee ruling calling it “an issue of democracy” and that MPs must “defend their right to vote on issues of the day”.
There is an URGENT need for people to contact the Prime Minister right away to oppose the suspension of Motion 408. Timing is critical as MP Warawa will present an appeal to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on Wednesday.
Please email or phone the Prime Minister and list of MPs no late than Tuesday afternoon at the very latest. And, please share this message with your friends. We must speak out now!
Points to consider for your personal message to the PM and MPs.
1. Express your profound disappointment and concerns on the suspension of Motion 408
2. Canada is a leader in promoting equal rights for women and men. Sex selective termination of pregnancy (gendercide) denies the equality of women. It is the worst form of discrimination against women and the girl child.
3. Motion 408 was “votable” as the clerk from the Library of Parliament told the subcommittee that M-408 met all of the criteria. How could the subcommittee rule it “nonvotable”?
4. Ask the government to reconsider the decision and allow a vote on Motion 408.
Contact List:
Steven Harper, Prime Minister of Canada: pm@pm.gc.ca
Scott Armstrong, MP Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley: scott.armstrong@parl.gc.ca
Stéphane Dion, MP St-Laurent –Cartierville: stephane.dion@parl.gc.ca
Phillip Toone, MP Gaspésie–Iles-de-la-Madelaine: Philip.Toone@parl.gc.ca
Dave MacKenzie, MP Oxford: dave.mackenzie@parl.gc.ca
Mark Warawa, MP Langley: mark.warawa@parl.gc.ca