March for Life
The National March for Life in Canada began in 1998 as a peaceful, public response to the legalization of abortion across the country following the 1988 R. v. Morgentaler Supreme Court decision. Organized by Campaign Life Coalition, the inaugural march drew approximately 700 people to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, growing over the decades into Canada’s largest annual pro-life demonstration, now attracting thousands of participants each May. Today, the event features a vibrant rally on Parliament Hill, a solemn march through the streets of downtown Ottawa, and a powerful closing youth conference, alongside smaller, simultaneous provincial marches held in capital cities nationwide.
The movement actively supports legislative efforts to establish legal protections for unborn children, advocates against the expansion of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and fosters a culture that values human life from conception until natural death. For the Catholic Church and other Christian communities, this enduring mobilization serves as a powerful public witness to their faith, putting the Gospel of Life into tangible action. By peacefully gathering in prayer, song, and advocacy, the faithful visibly demonstrate their foundational belief in the inherent dignity of every human person as an image of God, offering a collective testimony of hope, love, and protection for the most vulnerable members of society.
Afterwards, the throng of pro-life Canadians begins to march through the streets of Ottawa. They are led by the Ottawa police who keep the route safe and clear.
When the March ends, people reassemble on the lawn of Parliament Hill and listen to moving post-abortion testimonies by the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, followed by a prayer service.
Join the March for Life this year!
The 2027 National March for Life in Canada is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2027, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as announced by the National March for Life.
Event Details
- Date: May 13, 2027
- Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario
- Activities: Usually include mass/prayer services, a rally on Parliament Hill, the march itself, and related evening banquets or youth summits (specific themes and schedules are updated closer to the event by organizers).