Latest news with #HallofHonour
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Canada Games Council Unveils Class of 2025 for Canada Games Hall of Honour Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Games Council is thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals who will be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour ahead of the St. John's 2025 Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Class of 2025 recognizes outstanding athletes, builders, and distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the Canada Games Movement and Canadian sport. The induction ceremony will celebrate six remarkable individuals: Distinguished Alum Jennifer Bishop, Athletes Sharon Firth, Shirley Firth, Lennox Lewis, Diana Matheson and Builder Ajay Patel. "We are incredibly excited to welcome this group into the Canada Games Hall of Honour," said Kelly-Ann Paul, CEO of the Canada Games Council. "Their journeys are a testament to the foundational role the Canada Games play in developing Canada's future leaders and champions, both in sport and in life. Each of them has not only achieved remarkable success but has also profoundly impacted their communities and inspired future generations. It is a true privilege to recognize their lasting legacy and contributions to the Canada Games Movement." "We are honoured to celebrate the achievements of these distinguished Canada Games alumni here in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-Chairs of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society. "Welcoming these incredible individuals to St. John's allows us to connect the rich history of the Games with our community and showcase the enduring spirit of the Canada Games. We take immense pride in recognizing the contributions of the Class of 2025 as part of the lead-up to what promises to be an unforgettable Summer Games." The Hall of Honour induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2025, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, just prior to the official start of the 2025 Canada Games. Established in 2007, the Hall of Honour recognizes exceptional Canada Games alumni and individuals who have sparked greatness by distinguishing themselves during the Canada Games and beyond, while contributing to the growth of the Canada Games Movement. Distinguished Alum – Jennifer Bishop (Team NL - 1985, 1989) A prominent leader in law and sport governance, Jennifer Bishop represented Newfoundland and Labrador as an athlete in Tennis at the 1985 and 1989 Canada Games. She has since achieved significant success as a leading Canadian business lawyer and Global Chair of the International Bar Association's Women's Leadership Group. Bishop has held numerous leadership roles in sport, including serving as Chair of the Board at Tennis Canada and on International Tennis Federation and Canadian Olympic Committee Board committees, advocating for Safe Sport and gender equity. She is also an inductee into the Newfoundland and Labrador Tennis Hall of Fame. Athlete – Sharon Firth (Team NT - 1971, 1975) A legend in Canadian cross-country skiing, Sharon Firth, alongside her twin sister Shirley, dominated the sport for years. She was an athlete for the Northwest Territories at the 1971 and 1975 Canada Games and for Alberta in 1979. A four-time Olympian, Sharon amassed 79 national medals and was part of Canada's first women's Olympic cross country ski team. She is an inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and a Member of the Order of Canada. Sharon and Shirley were pioneering Indigenous athletes and continue to be role models. Athlete – Shirley Firth (Team NT - 1971, 1975) Together with her twin sister Sharon, Shirley Firth was a cornerstone of Canadian cross-country skiing for over a decade. She represented the Northwest Territories at the 1971 and 1975 Canada Games. A four-time Olympian, Shirley won numerous national championships and medals. She was a Member of the Order of Canada and an inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Shirley and Sharon broke down barriers as the first female Indigenous athletes to represent Canada at the Olympics. Shirley passed away in 2013. Athlete – Lennox Lewis (Team ON - 1983) One of Canada's most iconic athletes, Lennox Lewis is a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion and achieved status as an undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 1999. He competed for Ontario at the 1983 Canada Games in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. Lewis went on to become a two-time Olympian, winning Canada's first Olympic gold in boxing in 56 years in 1988, where he also served as flag bearer. An inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and a Member of the Order of Canada, he continues to impact communities through his foundation. Athlete – Diana Matheson (Team ON - 2001) A highly decorated soccer player, Diana Matheson represented Ontario at the 2001 Canada Games in London. She became a mainstay on the Canadian National Team for years, participating in three Olympic Games and three Women's World Cups. Matheson is a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2012 bronze medal match, Canada's first Olympic medal in women's soccer. An advocate for gender equity, she is also the Founder & Chief Growth Officer of the Northern Super League, Canada's professional women's soccer league. Builder – Ajay Patel (Team BC - 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) Ajay Patel has made extensive contributions to the Canada Games Movement, particularly through his leadership roles as Mission Staff and Chef de Mission for Team BC at six consecutive Canada Games between 2001 and 2011. Beyond the Games, he has held significant positions in sport administration and governance, including board roles with Sport BC and as CEO of Gymnastics BC. Patel is also a respected leader in the education sector and has been recognized for his community involvement and contributions as one of Canada's Top Immigrants. About the Canada Games Council The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada's Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada's sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments. The office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People. About the St. John's 2025 Canada Games From August 8 – 25, 2025, the 2025 Canada Games will bring together over 5,000 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 19 different sports for the largest multi-sport event in the country. The Canada Games showcase the best of the best in sport and highlight the immense talents of our youth. The Games create a spirit of unity that spans each province and territory. People connect in ways that go beyond the field of play, forming bonds that are deeply rooted in friendship and a collective passion for amateur sport in Canada. The 2025 Canada Games invites Canadians to come and connect through friendship, sport, adventure and the experience that is St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. In a place like no other, you can expect to find a Games like no other. For further information visit or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram (@2025canadagames).
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canada Games Council Unveils Class of 2025 for Canada Games Hall of Honour
OTTAWA, ON, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Games Council is thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals who will be inducted into the Canada Games Hall of Honour ahead of the St. John's 2025 Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Class of 2025 recognizes outstanding athletes, builders, and distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the Canada Games Movement and Canadian sport. The induction ceremony will celebrate six remarkable individuals: Distinguished Alum Jennifer Bishop, Athletes Sharon Firth, Shirley Firth, Lennox Lewis, Diana Matheson and Builder Ajay Patel. "We are incredibly excited to welcome this group into the Canada Games Hall of Honour," said Kelly-Ann Paul, CEO of the Canada Games Council. "Their journeys are a testament to the foundational role the Canada Games play in developing Canada's future leaders and champions, both in sport and in life. Each of them has not only achieved remarkable success but has also profoundly impacted their communities and inspired future generations. It is a true privilege to recognize their lasting legacy and contributions to the Canada Games Movement." "We are honoured to celebrate the achievements of these distinguished Canada Games alumni here in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-Chairs of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society. "Welcoming these incredible individuals to St. John's allows us to connect the rich history of the Games with our community and showcase the enduring spirit of the Canada Games. We take immense pride in recognizing the contributions of the Class of 2025 as part of the lead-up to what promises to be an unforgettable Summer Games." The Hall of Honour induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2025, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, just prior to the official start of the 2025 Canada Games. Established in 2007, the Hall of Honour recognizes exceptional Canada Games alumni and individuals who have sparked greatness by distinguishing themselves during the Canada Games and beyond, while contributing to the growth of the Canada Games Movement. Distinguished Alum – Jennifer Bishop (Team NL - 1985, 1989) A prominent leader in law and sport governance, Jennifer Bishop represented Newfoundland and Labrador as an athlete in Tennis at the 1985 and 1989 Canada Games. She has since achieved significant success as a leading Canadian business lawyer and Global Chair of the International Bar Association's Women's Leadership Group. Bishop has held numerous leadership roles in sport, including serving as Chair of the Board at Tennis Canada and on International Tennis Federation and Canadian Olympic Committee Board committees, advocating for Safe Sport and gender equity. She is also an inductee into the Newfoundland and Labrador Tennis Hall of Fame. Athlete – Sharon Firth (Team NT - 1971, 1975) A legend in Canadian cross-country skiing, Sharon Firth, alongside her twin sister Shirley, dominated the sport for years. She was an athlete for the Northwest Territories at the 1971 and 1975 Canada Games and for Alberta in 1979. A four-time Olympian, Sharon amassed 79 national medals and was part of Canada's first women's Olympic cross country ski team. She is an inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and a Member of the Order of Canada. Sharon and Shirley were pioneering Indigenous athletes and continue to be role models. Athlete – Shirley Firth (Team NT - 1971, 1975) Together with her twin sister Sharon, Shirley Firth was a cornerstone of Canadian cross-country skiing for over a decade. She represented the Northwest Territories at the 1971 and 1975 Canada Games. A four-time Olympian, Shirley won numerous national championships and medals. She was a Member of the Order of Canada and an inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Shirley and Sharon broke down barriers as the first female Indigenous athletes to represent Canada at the Olympics. Shirley passed away in 2013. Athlete – Lennox Lewis (Team ON - 1983) One of Canada's most iconic athletes, Lennox Lewis is a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion and achieved status as an undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 1999. He competed for Ontario at the 1983 Canada Games in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. Lewis went on to become a two-time Olympian, winning Canada's first Olympic gold in boxing in 56 years in 1988, where he also served as flag bearer. An inductee into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and a Member of the Order of Canada, he continues to impact communities through his foundation. Athlete – Diana Matheson (Team ON - 2001) A highly decorated soccer player, Diana Matheson represented Ontario at the 2001 Canada Games in London. She became a mainstay on the Canadian National Team for years, participating in three Olympic Games and three Women's World Cups. Matheson is a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2012 bronze medal match, Canada's first Olympic medal in women's soccer. An advocate for gender equity, she is also the Founder & Chief Growth Officer of the Northern Super League, Canada's professional women's soccer league. Builder – Ajay Patel (Team BC - 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) Ajay Patel has made extensive contributions to the Canada Games Movement, particularly through his leadership roles as Mission Staff and Chef de Mission for Team BC at six consecutive Canada Games between 2001 and 2011. Beyond the Games, he has held significant positions in sport administration and governance, including board roles with Sport BC and as CEO of Gymnastics BC. Patel is also a respected leader in the education sector and has been recognized for his community involvement and contributions as one of Canada's Top Immigrants. About the Canada Games Council The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada's Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada's sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments. The office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People. About the St. John's 2025 Canada Games From August 8 – 25, 2025, the 2025 Canada Games will bring together over 5,000 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 19 different sports for the largest multi-sport event in the country. The Canada Games showcase the best of the best in sport and highlight the immense talents of our youth. The Games create a spirit of unity that spans each province and territory. People connect in ways that go beyond the field of play, forming bonds that are deeply rooted in friendship and a collective passion for amateur sport in Canada. The 2025 Canada Games invites Canadians to come and connect through friendship, sport, adventure and the experience that is St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. In a place like no other, you can expect to find a Games like no other. For further information visit or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram (@2025canadagames). SOURCE Canada Games Council View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD, THE 2025 EDITION BEGINS WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THIS YEAR'S AWARDEES AT CONI
ROME, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- The sense of anticipation is increasing, the names are unveiled, and the stories begin to take shape: today, at the official presentation at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee, the Fair Play Menarini Foundation announced the names of the national and international sports legends who will be the awardees of the 29th edition of the Award, due to take place on July 2nd and 3rd in Florence and Fiesole. These new champions of ethics, loyalty, and respect, who come from a wide variety of different sporting disciplines, will join Fair Play Menarini to promote the values that make sport a significant driver in the growth of the younger generations. "Fair play is an essential principle in both sport and life; it is the foundation upon which we can build a better society and educate the younger generations," stated Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI. " The Fair Play Menarini International Award, now in its 29th edition, offers a remarkable means through which we can communicate the true value of this concept, which is deeply rooted in our identity. This award is a recognition that goes far beyond competitive results. I proudly remember the ties that bind Italy's sporting heritage to fair play, thanks to Eugenio Monti and his extraordinary gestures at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, which allowed him to receive the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy dedicated to fair play, the first ever athlete to deserve this recognition. A precious legacy to be renewed thanks to this award, which has now become a tradition." Athletics offers a truly stellar lineup this year, starting with Gianmarco Tamberi, world high jump champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games. Nadia Battocletti, silver medallist in the 10.000 metres at the Paris 2024 Games, and high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, double world champion and Olympic silver and bronze medallist, will also be there. Triple jump star Andy Diaz, bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Games and newly crowned indoor world champion, Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, gold medallist in the discus throw at last year's Paralympic Games, are also among this year's awardees. Flying the flag for football will be Demetrio Albertini, World and European runner-up with the Italian National Azzurri team. Fencing will be represented on stage by Arianna Errigo, one of the greatest foil athletes of all time, with a record of 10 world titles, 4 Olympic medals and 5 World Cup trophies. Paola Fantato, who has a remarkable sporting career and is winner of 8 Paralympic medals in archery across five different editions, will be captivating the Fair Play Menarini audiences who shall also have the chance to relive the moment when judoka Alice Bellandi stepped onto the highest place on the podium at the last Olympic Games. Basketball enthusiasts will be delighted to see awardee Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers on stage whilst Guido Meda, the unmistakable voice of MotoGP who has been thrilling Italian fans for years, will be this year's awardee in the sports journalism category. Alongside the great champions there are also Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli, three budding talents who, at today's press conference at CONI, received the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award, dedicated to outstanding acts of sportsmanship shown by the younger generations. Following on from today's press conference, the spotlight will be on June 26 in Florence, when the Special Fiamme Gialle "Study and Sport" Award will be presented. The city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, will also host the traditional gala dinner on Wednesday, July 2nd, in the unique setting of Piazzale Michelangelo. The Award ceremony is set to be held on the evening of Thursday, July 3rd, at the thousand-year-old "gem" of the Roman Theatre in Fiesole. The partnership between the Fair Play Menarini International Award and Sky TG24 continues for the 29th edition giving coverage of event. Hosts of the Award ceremony will be Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, who shall be enchanting the audience alongside fellow journalist Federico Buffa. " Listening to the stories of these champions, discovering the actions that have allowed them to become role models, reliving their sporting feats: all this will be an extraordinary opportunity to foster the deepest meaning of sport – declared Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation – Our hope is that the integrity and the achievements of these exceptional athletes will convey the core values of loyalty and commitment, which sport continues to embody, to future generations". The Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale is an Institutional Partner of the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award, whilst Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent are partners of the initiative.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD, THE 2025 EDITION BEGINS WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THIS YEAR'S AWARDEES AT CONI
ROME, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- The sense of anticipation is increasing, the names are unveiled, and the stories begin to take shape: today, at the official presentation at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee, the Fair Play Menarini Foundation announced the names of the national and international sports legends who will be the awardees of the 29th edition of the Award, due to take place on July 2nd and 3rd in Florence and Fiesole. These new champions of ethics, loyalty, and respect, who come from a wide variety of different sporting disciplines, will join Fair Play Menarini to promote the values that make sport a significant driver in the growth of the younger generations. "Fair play is an essential principle in both sport and life; it is the foundation upon which we can build a better society and educate the younger generations," stated Giovanni Malagò, President of CONI. "The Fair Play Menarini International Award, now in its 29th edition, offers a remarkable means through which we can communicate the true value of this concept, which is deeply rooted in our identity. This award is a recognition that goes far beyond competitive results. I proudly remember the ties that bind Italy's sporting heritage to fair play, thanks to Eugenio Monti and his extraordinary gestures at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, which allowed him to receive the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy dedicated to fair play, the first ever athlete to deserve this recognition. A precious legacy to be renewed thanks to this award, which has now become a tradition." Athletics offers a truly stellar lineup this year, starting with Gianmarco Tamberi, world high jump champion in Budapest 2023 and Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2021 Games. Nadia Battocletti, silver medallist in the 10.000 metres at the Paris 2024 Games, and high jump legend Blanka Vlasic, double world champion and Olympic silver and bronze medallist, will also be there. Triple jump star Andy Diaz, bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Games and newly crowned indoor world champion, Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, gold medallist in the discus throw at last year's Paralympic Games, are also among this year's awardees. Flying the flag for football will be Demetrio Albertini, World and European runner-up with the Italian National Azzurri team. Fencing will be represented on stage by Arianna Errigo, one of the greatest foil athletes of all time, with a record of 10 world titles, 4 Olympic medals and 5 World Cup trophies. Paola Fantato, who has a remarkable sporting career and is winner of 8 Paralympic medals in archery across five different editions, will be captivating the Fair Play Menarini audiences who shall also have the chance to relive the moment when judoka Alice Bellandi stepped onto the highest place on the podium at the last Olympic Games. Basketball enthusiasts will be delighted to see awardee Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers on stage whilst Guido Meda, the unmistakable voice of MotoGP who has been thrilling Italian fans for years, will be this year's awardee in the sports journalism category. Alongside the great champions there are also Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli, three budding talents who, at today's press conference at CONI, received the "Young Athletes" Fair Play Menarini Award, dedicated to outstanding acts of sportsmanship shown by the younger generations. Following on from today's press conference, the spotlight will be on June 26 in Florence, when the Special Fiamme Gialle "Study and Sport" Award will be presented. The city of Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, will also host the traditional gala dinner on Wednesday, July 2nd, in the unique setting of Piazzale Michelangelo. The Award ceremony is set to be held on the evening of Thursday, July 3rd, at the thousand-year-old "gem" of the Roman Theatre in Fiesole. The partnership between the Fair Play Menarini International Award and Sky TG24 continues for the 29th edition giving coverage of event. Hosts of the Award ceremony will be Rachele Sangiuliano, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, who shall be enchanting the audience alongside fellow journalist Federico Buffa. "Listening to the stories of these champions, discovering the actions that have allowed them to become role models, reliving their sporting feats: all this will be an extraordinary opportunity to foster the deepest meaning of sport – declared Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Board Members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation – Our hope is that the integrity and the achievements of these exceptional athletes will convey the core values of loyalty and commitment, which sport continues to embody, to future generations". The Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale is an Institutional Partner of the 29th Fair Play Menarini International Award, whilst Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent are partners of the initiative. To learn more about the protagonists, relive the most exciting moments, and stay up to date on all the news, visit the official website as well as the Award's social channels on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Photo - - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
02-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
B.C. Conservative MLA angry after colleagues welcome lobby group opposed to same-sex marriage, MAID, abortion
A B.C. Conservative MLA says she is livid after her party leader, John Rustad, and more than a dozen of his MLAs attended a speaking event at the legislature this week by a Christian lobby group that opposes medical assistance in dying (MAID), abortion and gender transition for youth. "To see a group that, in my opinion, actively works against the rights of other British Columbians, is not in line with what I want to see in the Hall of Honour," said Surrey South MLA Elenore Sturko. B.C. Conservative MLA Heather Maahs hosted the group, called the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA), at an event in the legislature's Hall of Honour on Tuesday. "What ARPA has done is given a voice to the ills of society that are so harmful to many," Maahs, the MLA for Chilliwack North, said in introducing the group. "Many of their stances align with our common sense approach as the Conservative Party of B.C. They defend parental rights, they speak for the protection of life and harm created by MAID, and for the division created by the learning resource SOGI 123 in our public schools." Furor over religious group's visit to B.C. legislature Duration 2:18 A B.C. Conservative MLA is furious after a fellow MLA welcomed a religious lobby group to the legislature that opposes same sex marriage, medically assisted dying and abortion. Katie DeRosa has more on the group and the concerns. The group has campaigned to end MAID, which it calls euthanasia. It also operates the We Need a Law campaign, which protects the rights of "pre-born children." "Canada is the only democracy in the world to have zero legal protection for pre-born children," its website states. The group has pushed for abortion to be criminalized and called for a ban on the abortion pill. It also opposes gender affirming care for transgender youth, as well as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) policy in schools. Sturko, who is gay, said the organization has written on its website that homosexuality is immoral. B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko says she is upset her Conservative colleague hosted a Christian lobby group at the legislature that is opposed to same sex marriage, abortion and gender affirming care for trans youth. (CBC News) "I'm really disappointed. This doesn't represent myself, my family, I don't believe it represents the majority of British Columbians," she said. "Inviting any groups that would be fighting against the rights of any other British Columbians is not something I'm in agreement with." Sturko, the Conservative public safety critic, said she's told her caucus members how she feels about it. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad was present for the event, alongside more than a dozen Conservative MLAs. CBC News was not at the event, but viewed photos and videos of it provided by the NDP caucus. In them, ARPA executive director Mike Schouten told MLAs about the work his group is doing. "Part of our mission is to take a biblical perspective directly to our civil authorities," he said. "I think if we observe our country today, we would all agree that at some level many people have been complicit in actively destroying those foundations." CBC asked Schouten about Sturko's concerns about the group's stance on same sex marriage. "As a Christian advocacy organization that adheres to the truths we believe that are found in God's word, it's not inconsistent then for us to state that we believe homosexuality is immoral." But Schouten added the group is not trying to overturn Canada's gay marriage laws. He said the group contacts politicians across Canada and tries to find "common ground" over issues important to Christians, including raising concerns about the rate of abortions among women who find out they have a child with Down syndrome. The group is also concerned about medical assistance in dying for people with disabilities or mental health issues. Joyce Arthur, executive director of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, said it's concerning the group was welcomed into the legislature by B.C. Conservative MLAs. "It's an official recognition that gives legitimacy to this anti-human rights group," she said. Jennifer Blatherwick, the NDP's parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said ARPA advocates for legislation "that would restrict access to reproductive health services, but also in some cases could criminalize abortion. And that is not, I think, what most British Columbians are looking for when they want responsive health care." Rustad defended the group's presence at the legislature. "One of the issues that the group that came in was interested in talking about is SOGI, obviously something we're concerned about." The B.C. Conservatives have campaigned on ending the SOGI policy in schools, saying it has injected "political ideology" into schools and ignores the rights of parents to have a say in their child's education. SOGI 123 is not a curriculum but provides guides and resources to help teachers address discrimination and bullying, create supportive and inclusive environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students, and acknowledge varying genders and sexual orientations. It was established in schools in 2016 by the then-ruling B.C. Liberals, as part of anti-bullying policies. Rustad was a cabinet minister in that government. Rustad acknowledged the divisions within his caucus over the ARPA event. "We are a broad coalition. We have people across the spectrum, so there might be some issues," he said. "We're trying to fight for the issues that are important — issues of family, issues of faith, issues of freedoms." Rustad would not give his position on a woman's right to choose, but has repeatedly said his party would not reopen the abortion debate.
