Political hypocrisy or Trojan horse?
PC leadership hopeful Kevin J. Arsenault calls for political transparency, but has seemingly changed his long held anti-abortion position (“All power,” Journal Pioneer, Dec 7, 2018), which he has continuously expressed in the media and his blog. We have locked horns on numerous occasions regarding this public policy issue.
His statements last week on abortion, when announcing his candidacy for PC leader, are at considerable variance with his earlier well-known pro-life stance, suggesting that he is either a personal hypocrite; or, at worst, a political opportunist. But how can Arsenault maintain his credibility with his conservative, bible-thumping base and the Catholic Church on the Island? Mr. Arsenault now seemingly accepts the legislative and medical framework currently in place on P.E.I. for abortions, namely, that this is a private matter between a woman and her physician and should be covered by our provincial health care program. Previously, Aresenault, guided by church teachings, took a vehemently anti-abortion stance. His new position however, brings him into line with federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer (and Stephen Harper before him) who said that he will not reopen the abortion debate. We should be thankful for small mercies.
His fire and brimstone supporters will, no doubt , be disappointed by his reversal regarding abortion.
We should all be relieved that Mr. Arsenault has finally joined the 21st century with respect to abortion policy. It is long overdue. But we are entitled to ask whether he will maintain this new position on abortion if elected, or whether he will cave to his more conservative, rural base? And we are forced to ask whether Mr. Arsenault’s about face on abortion is a result of philosophic conviction or political expediency?
Previously, Arsenault berated the current provincial Liberal government for failing to strike abortion from the list of approved medical procedures under our provincial medicare program. He is now conveniently passing the buck by blaming the feds. But should we trust him given his track record, or will he roll over if elected?
For myself, I am glad that Mr. Arsenault has had mature second thoughts and the personal courage to alter his position on this important social policy issue. He has seemingly put aside his own personal religious views, like Canada’s many Catholic PMs, for the greater public good. Better late than never.
Mr. Arsenault in his recent speech said, if he is elected PC leader, “Women would have the same access to abortion services as they currently do.” The women of P.E.I. will hold him accountable.
Richard Deaton, Stanley Bridge