2003 NEW BRUNSWICK ELECTION
STATEMENTS FROM PARTIES / PARTY LEADERS
PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY / BERNARD LORD
Abortion
We will maintain
the current policy on abortion and continue to respect the Canada Health
Act and provide
medically necessary services in hospitals,
if two doctors certify in writing that the procedure is medically required.
(Response to CLCNB Questionnaire, #’s 2, 3, 9)
Euthanasia
With respect
to euthanasia, we respect the rights of the individual, however, we will
not make representations to the federal government for an
easing of euthanasia laws. We will continue to respect the dignity of terminally
ill New Brunswickers and provide palliative care in hospitals and through
our Extra-Mural Program. Our extra-mural program is the only province-wide
home
care program of its kind in Canada, whereby discharged hospital patients
can continue to receive acute, long term palliative care and supervision
in the
comfort of their own homes. (Response to CLCNB Questionnaire, #6)
Conscience
Rights
We oppose discrimination on the basis of religious belief, as is prohibited
by provincial human rights legislation and the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms. (Response to CLCNB Questionnaire, #7)
Sex Education
We support parental and community involvement in education decision-making,
within the context of provincial standards and the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (Response to CLCNB Questionnaire, #10)
LIBERAL PARTY / SHAWN GRAHAM
Abortion
The
Liberal Party does not foresee any change to the current [abortion] funding
practices
at the present time.(See CLCNB Questionnaire,
#’s 3, 9)
Euthanasia
This
[euthanasia] is a matter of federal jurisdiction. Should the federal government
move to ease these laws, provincial Liberal MLAs will
be free to speak to the matter according to their personal convictions. The
Liberal Party is committed to providing the best possible [palliative] care
for all New Brunswickers. We are committed to providing dignity and support
for those living with terminal illness. (See CLCNB Questionnaire, #6)
Conscience Rights
This
question touches on a variety of very complex issues respecting personal
beliefs of individuals. Similarly should issues of this
nature arise before the Legislative Assembly, members of the Liberal caucus
will be free to vote according to their own personal belief.
NEW DEMOCATIC PARTY / ELIZABETH WEIR
Abortion
The NDP believes that the principles of Medicare should be respected.
New Brunswick may well be in violation of the Canada Health Act because it
denies women, who have in consultation with their doctor made the decision
to have an abortion, access to this medical service in a hospital. Women
in New Brunswick need to have the same access to medical services as women
in other Canadian provinces. (See CLCNB Questionnaire, #’s 3, 9)
Euthanasia
This [euthanasia] is a question for the Parliament of Canada to decide. The
NDP believes that such an important moral issue requires a national
debate where citizens of all parts of our country could make their convictions
and concerns known. The NDP insists that provincial governments meet their
responsibility to provide palliative medical care, whatever decision is taken
by the federal government on this issue. Family and caregivers need support
when caring for the terminally ill. There needs to be flexibility in providing
that care in the way that is most appropriate for that patient, their loved
ones and their medical situation whether it be in a hospital, hospice or at
home. (See CLCNB Questionnaire, #6)
Please see also responses of Elizabeth Weir to Questionnaire.
