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That is the sort of language used by an experienced politician when the facts risk irritating one set of voters over another.  Especially when it is so clear that the Campaign Life Coalition – the organizer of the march – has done exactly that. 

They are self-described as the “political arm of the pro-life movement.”  They actively endorse conservative politicians they view as supportive, mostly recently including Brad Trost and Pierre Lemieux in the ongoing Conservative party leadership race. 

Given the very real and very recent concerns about safety, security and respect – including respect for client’s rights to safely access sexual and reproductive health services – Watson’s support for the Campaign Life Coalition and their intolerant, anti-choice agenda is even more troubling. 

Planned Parenthood Ottawa applauded Watson two weeks ago when he, along with Coun.  Catherine McKenney, took the positive step of instructing the city clerk and solicitor to present options for enforceable legislation or bylaws, including bubble zone legislation, near abortion clinics. 

To follow that positive decision up with such a contradictory message so quickly is truly unfortunate. 

Ottawa is certainly not the only city to have dealt with this balancing of rights: as recently as 2016, Kelowna, B.C., reconsidered its stance and reversed course on such proclamations.  The city stated that such proclamations “are not approved if they cover matters of political controversy, ideological or religious beliefs, matters of individual conviction, or that advocate against human rights and freedoms under existing Canadian laws.” 

We strongly urge Watson to protect sexual and reproductive rights at all times and not just when it’s convenient. 

Laura Colella and Marnie Mitchel are co-presidents of Planned Parenthood Ottawa, an organisation that has been supporting sexual and reproductive rights since 1964.  Find us at ppottawa.ca, on Facebook, and @KnowPPO