Alberta MP denies claim transit ads are controversial, TransLink bound by Charter to run them

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — TransLink says it is legally bound to accept advocacy advertising after a controversial transit ad attracted the ire of Vancouver Centre MP Hedy Fry.

The ads in question were paid for by Conservative MP from Alberta Garnett Genuis and appear on transit vehicles in Metro Vancouver. They read “How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers,” quoting Mother Teresa, which Fry says pushes the message of trying to dictate a woman’s choice when it comes to having children.

However, Genuis says in an email that the ads are a response to a series of those displayed last month on Vancouver billboards and bus shelters encouraging couples to do their part to control overpopulation – and fight climate change – by having fewer children.

“These ads are a response to the ‘one child one planet’ ads,” Genuis adds. “They have nothing to do with abortion. MP Fry is spreading conspiracy theories again.”

TransLink issued a statement about the ads on Tuesday.

“As per a Supreme Court of Canada ruling determining TransLink is a public agency, it is bound to respect the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and accept advocacy advertising,” says TransLink.

The transit authority adds it makes its decisions on whether or not a submitted ad can run on its transit system after referring to the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.

After having done so, TransLink determined standards were met.

“Our policy states that ads that promote specific theology or religious ethic, point of view, policy or action, or conveys information about a political party or candidacy of any person for a political position or public office, must visibly display the name of the sponsoring group,” TransLink says further.

“Ads of this nature must always display a standard disclaimer which states the opinions represented are not endorsed by TransLink. Anyone with concerns or complaints that the advertiser is providing misleading information should report the ad to Ad Standards Canada.”

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Fry says the advertisements promote a narrative that women are meant to be “fruitful” and having children is a goal that women are expected to aim for.

She adds the message of the ads is “extremely insensitive” and goes against the Supreme Court of Canada that has been clear that women have control over their own bodies, adding the message the ad is advertising promotes controlling women’s reproductive rights and has no place in society.

Fry says she hasn’t received a response from the Conservative Party about what she calls “anti-choice” messaging, aside from members dismissing the claimed meaning.

Fry wanted the ads removed and for Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole to address the controversy.