'It feels so good': Alberta MP celebrates overturning of Roe v. Wade
'It feels so good': Alberta MP celebrates overturning of Roe v. Wade
A Member of Parliament from rural Alberta went live on Facebook Friday to celebrate a United States Supreme Court vote to end constitutional protections for abortion.
Friday's overturning of Roe v. Wade is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half of American states.
Arnold Viersen, who represents Peace River-Westlock for the Conservative Party of Canada, titled his video "History in the making!"
"This is something that I know a lot of people have been praying for for a very long time, the overturn of Roe v. Wade," Viersen said.
"The pro-life movement in the United States has been working hard on this for generations and it feels so good to have a win."
The MP went on to call abortion in Canada the "greatest human rights tragedy of our time."
"Three-hundred babies die everyday in Canada and this is something that is a terrible human rights tragedy," he said.
"People are coerced into having abortions. There should be no forced abortions in this country."
"I am disturbed by Roe Vs Wade being overturned. While I recognize there are strongly held beliefs on this issue, reproductive rights in Canada are non-negotiable," CPC leadership candidate Jean Charest tweeted.
"I am disappointed by Roe Vs Wade being overturned. Canadians have strongly held beliefs on this issue, but reproductive rights in Canada will not be revisited by any government that I lead," candidate Patrick Brown tweeted.
Another Conservative MP and candidate for leader, Dr. Leslyn Lewis, tweeted promises to ban "sex-selective" and "coerced" abortions, while encouraging respectful debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the court decision "horrific" and he promised to "always stand up for (a woman's) right to choose."
Viersen said he would be "on guard" for Liberal legislation reaffirming the legality of abortion in Canada.
With files from The Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.

Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Rising rent means more Canadians are giving up on owning a home
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
BREAKING | Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
What you can do to help mitigate shortages of fever and pain relievers
Pharmacists and health care professionals are asking the public to only buy what they need and to be up to date on all their essential immunization shots to help with Tylenol, Advil shortages.
Ontario ICU closed for a month has no date set to reopen
A month after an Ontario intensive care unit temporarily closed due to a “significant staff shortage,” the hospital has no timeline for when the ICU will re-open its doors.
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story
Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
Closed-door national security committee of parliamentarians reviewing spyware use
Parliament's top-secret national security committee is launching a review into federal agencies' ability to intercept private communications, on the heels of the RCMP revealing it has been using spyware as part of major investigations, for decades.