Chairperson of the Board May 27, 2014 Mr. P.J. Daly Honourable Justin Trudeau Leader of the Liberal Party Member of Parliament House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 [email protected] Dear Mr. Trudeau: The Board of Trustees of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board wishes to express our strongest concern with your recent statements requiring that all future non-incumbent federal Liberal candidates be “pro-choice”. We, like many others, were deeply offended by your comments. Each day, within our schools, dedicated teachers and other staff support parents in sharing the good news of our Catholic faith with over 28,000 students. Among these teachings is the firm conviction regarding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. In a letter sent to one of your predecessors (attached for your information), we indicated the truth that the most fundamental building block of a just society is respect for human life. Among all of the justice issues a society should view with grave concern, abortion is a key social evil, as well as a human rights issue. Beyond our hope/expectation that, as an elected leader, you would strive to protect fundamental human rights (including the right to life), we are deeply concerned as to how your comments/ position attempt/s to further silence the voices of people of faith. Of particular concern to us is the impact on the youth, our (near) future leaders. …/2 Honourable Justin Trudeau -2- May 27, 2014 ______________________________________________________________________________ Within our schools and in Catholic schools throughout Canada, thousands and thousands of students are involved in Student Councils, Culture of Life, Social Justice, Stewardship of the Earth and other student groups. Many of these young people were in Ottawa in support of the March for Life when your comments were made. Beyond insulting their efforts in support of life, your position/comments sent the message that these young people have no place in the Federal Liberal Party. At a time when there is a real need to encourage increased involvement in public life, your comments, for many, unfortunately serve only to further discourage. We pray that, upon discernment, you publicly correct your earlier stated position so as to protect life and promote greater involvement in public life. Yours very truly Patrick J. Daly Chairperson of the Board PJD/MB Att. cc The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton The Right Honourable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada Honourable Thomas Mulcair Leader of the Federal New Democratic Party Mr. David Sweet, MP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale Mr. David Christopherson, MP Hamilton Centre Mr. Wayne Marston, MP Hamilton East-Stoney Creek Ms. Chris Charlton, MP Hamilton Mountain Mr. Dean Allison, MP Niagara West-Glanbrook Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association .