O’Toole to vote against Conservative MP’s private bill on ‘sex-selective abortion’

OTTAWA – The issue of abortion is once again in a spotlight on Parliament Hill, as the federal Conservative leader plans to oppose a new bill introduced by one of his own MPs.

Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall, who represents the riding of Yorkton-Melville in Saskatchewan, has introduced a private member’s bill that aims to place restrictions on sex-selective abortions.

Previous efforts to do the same have long been denounced by pro-choice advocates as being a back-door effort to try and limit a woman’s right to choose.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says he won’t support the bill, noting if he forms government, he would never let legislation like this pass.

O'Toole is asked about a new bill being introduced by one of his MP's on sex selective abortions.
He says he is personally pro choice and will vote against the bill. But does not say if he will order his shadow cabinet to vote against. #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) April 12, 2021

“I will always as prime minister defend the rights — the human rights — of all Canadians, including women to make this decision for themselves,” he said Monday at a news conference taking place at the same time as Wagantall’s.

“I am a pro-choice member of parliament and was elected the leader of the Conservatives in that fashion,” he said, adding he would be voting against the bill.

While O’Toole expressed his opposition to this move by one of his own MPs, he refused to say directly if he would intervene to stop it or order his shadow cabinet to vote against it.

“I will always defend the rights of all Canadians and focus on their prosperity — that is my relentless focus. There is freedom of speech of all members of parliament, including with private motions and bills,” he said.

Wagantall says she feels comfortable in the Conservative Party with her views, and that she expects her leader to allow a free vote on her bill.

“And I respect my leader’s opportunity to make his choice as much as I do mine,” she said.

Wagantall says the bill, which is up for debate on Wednesday, is about gender equality and she believes many Canadians think pregnancies should not be terminated on the basis of sex.