We are pleased to announce that the LifeCanada office in Ottawa is now fully operational with a full-time executive director. I am joining the LifeCanada team which includes Karen Young, part-time office manager since September, 2003 and Barbara McAdorey, editor of LifeCanada News since its inception in January, 2002. This office will help us better serve all Canadians.

LifeCanada was incorporated on October 5, 2000 to replace the Alliance for Life. Our board members have done a magnificent job of establishing LifeCanada (a total of 101 provincial and local organizations are now members of LifeCanada); launching the website and bi-monthly newsletter; educating Canadians, Members of Parliament, and Senators on the reproductive technology issues raised by the government’s proposed Bill C-13 in the last session of Parliament; and commissioning an annual poll on life issues.

A permanent staff and office will allow us to build on this foundation. Our plans for 2004 include the following projects:
•We have learned that the government plans to re-introduce Bill C-13, the Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which would allow researchers to extract stem cells from human embryos for research. Removing the stem cells destroys the embryo. We are in the process of applying to appear before the Senate Committee which will study this bill to share the findings of the Leger poll commissioned by LifeCanada which discovered that 70% of Canadians favour ethical alternatives to embryonic stem cell research which do not involve loss of life or harm.
•We have revamped the LifeCanada website which now features more graphics and a more modern appearance which will help us attract students and others looking for information on the life issues. We will regularly update the information displayed on the website and feature new pro-life resources which can help you promote the pro-life message in your community.
•Plans are already underway for the 2004 and 2005 national pro-life conferences which will be held in Winnipeg and Montreal respectively.
•We will continue to dialogue with Health Canada who is responsible for the information on the Canadian Health Network’s website concerning abortion and other reproductive issues. The information presently displayed on the website is provided by a CHN Affiliate, Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada, which means that all the information is very biased. We are urging them to either find a neutral organization to provide the information on abortion or to allow LifeCanada to also be an Affiliate which would mean that Health Canada would be providing balanced information and Canadians would have access to both sides of the abortion issue.
•LifeCanada is the sole Canadian distributor of the latest video on the link between abortion and breast cancer which features experts Dr. Joel Brind and Dr. Angela Lafranchi.
•Commission the annual poll on the life issues.

These are just a few of the educational projects LifeCanada is currently working on.

In order to meet all of the financial commitments involved in maintaining a national, educational office we need to raise at least $5500 per month. We are hoping that 220 pro-lifers would consider making regular $25 donations per month. If just 22 people per province would commit to monthly donations, we could be assured of meeting our financial commitments which would mean we could spend less time on fundraising and more time on our educational efforts.

One easy, economical way of providing LifeCanada with monthly support is through the pre-authorized giving plan. You send in only one cheque and save on postage, stationery, and time. Your donation is automatically deducted from your bank account on a regular basis. Changes and cancellations can be made at any time by electronic mail, a quick phone call, or a
letter.

To participate in this plan, simply:
1. Cut out and complete the authorization form (on opposite page).
2. Enclose a blank cheque marked VOID.
3. Mail the form and blank cheque to LifeCanada at the following address:
LifeCanada
P.O. Box 24007, Hazeldean R.P.O.
Ottawa, ON K2M 2C3

The authorization form permits LifeCanada to draw and issue cheques on the 1st or 15th day of each month.

Donations can also be made in the form of post-dated cheques or by credit card according to your personal preference. For more information, please contact the LifeCanada office at (613) 722-1552 or email info@lifecanada.org .

Thank you for supporting the efforts of LifeCanada as we work together to educate Canadians on the many important life issues.