The sanctity of life

Maria Montemayor

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Participants at the March for Life in Ottawa. Image from the 2026 March for Life Theme Launch.

May is the month of Mary, when we celebrate mothers, which makes it an important time for the pro-life cause in Canada. We have the National March for Life in Ottawa, an annual demonstration where thousands of people from all over Canada gather to advocate for the protection of life and for policies that support and affirm its dignity. There are Masses celebrated in conjunction with the gathering and speeches given by pro-life politicians and religious leaders. Last year, there was a Pro-life Expo, where registrants could encounter the booths of pro-life organizations.

While the National March for Life primarily addresses abortion since there are currently no legal restrictions on it in Canada, pro-life advocates also encourage individuals considering assisted suicide that their lives are worth living. With Canadian legislation allowing medical assistance in dying (MAiD), people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses are vulnerable to negative influences. When they experience suffering or isolation, they need to be accompanied with compassion and support. At the core, those who are pro-life believe that every human is a gift.

This year, Salt + Light Media will be at the March for Life in Ottawa on May 14, covering the bilingual Mass at 10 am ET. We will also be airing several pro-life programs throughout the month, including the Behold: Lives Lived for Life episode, new interviews for the 2026 March for Life, and more. Keep a close eye on our TV schedule for the full details.

We also invite you to join us for a nine-day Novena to Mary, Mother of Life starting on Saturday, May 16 and ending on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. This novena is for those who want to stand against the culture of death and hopelessness and foster a culture of life and hope, pray for their family members, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, especially for those who may be struggling.

Follow us on your favourite social media to be notified when the Novena to Mary, Mother of Life begins: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and Tiktok.