On July 1, 2008, a controversial figure who spearheaded the drive for private legal abortions in Canada, Dr Henry Morgentaler was named to the Order of Canada, the highest honour within the Canadian system of honours.
Created in 1967, the Order was established to recognize the lifetime contributions made by Canadians who made a major difference to Canada, as well as the efforts made by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions. The Canadian monarch, at present Queen Elizabeth II, is Sovereign of the order, and the serving Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, is its Chancellor and Principal Companion. Appointees into the order are selected by an advisory board and formally inducted by the Governor General. The monarch appoints the Governor General on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister, after which the Governor General maintains direct contact with the monarch. Michaëlle Jean, the current Governor General, has served since September 27, 2005; then Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin recommended her to replace Adrienne Clarkson. Jean's husband, the vice-regal consort, is Jean-Daniel Lafond.
Morgentaler has ignited widespread protest against the suitability of being an abortion activist for the award. Many Canadians are dismayed with the decision to grant the award to the abortion extremist, religion hater, self admitted womanizer and abortion chain owner, who has personally highly profited from Canada's lack of an abortion law since 1988. Morgentaler in fact had spent 10 months in jail for providing abortions. Critics said that the award is a breach of customary protocol and that the process was corrupted.
On the matter, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he'd rather see the country's highest civilian award "be something that really unifies" and "brings Canadians together," while, Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion said, "Dr Morgentaler has stood up for a woman’s right to choose for his entire career, often at great personal risk," and asked Canadians to respect and celebrate the decision.
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