International Pro-life Flag closing remarks by Trustee Del Grande, plus final vote taken

This video contains TCDSB Trustee Michael Del Grande's closing remarks to convince his fellow Catholic trustees to vote in favour of his right to life motion. It also records the vote by the board of trustees, which defeated the motion by 8 to 2.

Partial transcript of Mike's closing speech:

"I'm sure that all my trustee colleagues around the table here would readily identify themselves, if asked, as Catholics who agree with the Catholic Church's unchanging teaching that abortion is a grave evil and that we as Catholics have an obligation to protect the lives of unborn children from this violent and lethal act."

"None of us here would argue with Pope Francis' declaration earlier this month that, quote: 'The termination of a pregnancy means nothing other than denying human dignity to the most defenceless'. Nor with his unambiguous statement on Sept 15, 2021 that, and I quote: “abortion is more than an issue. Abortion is murder.' End quote.

"Therefore, I can think of no legitimate reason why this motion shouldn't pass unanimously. We are a pro-life board and I expect you will all vote in favour of my motion so that the TCDSB does its part to vigorously defend the most marginalized and victimized group in this country, namely children in the womb, who are killed at a rate of 100,000 annually."

"We have an opportunity to showcase ourselves as defenders of human rights, in the greatest social justice battle of our day. I trust you will do the right thing this evening, for the children, for our Catholic faith, for God who himself took the form of a defenseless unborn child, and whose divine heart no doubt breaks with every abortion. That’s a holocaust."

The Catholic audience erupted in applause when Mike finished his speech, and loudly expressed their anger and displeasure when the Trusteed voted against the motion immediately after.