Bev Shipley, M.P. for Lambton Kent Middlesex today issued the following statement regarding the nomination of Henry Morgentaler for the Order of Canada.

“As one who firmly believes in the sanctity of human life, I am deeply troubled by the Advisory Council’s nomination of Henry Morgentaler for the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. It is our country's highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement and I am greatly disappointed that Canada’s highest civilian honour has been politicized and debased by this appointment. Mr. Morgentaler’s activities in Canada are not achievements, and I am certain his nomination will not enjoy the unanimous support of either the House of Commons or the Canadian public that this prestigious award has traditionally had.

Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada.

“I urge all Canadians as disappointed as I am with the nomination to express their views to the Governor General and the Advisory Panel. The Governor General can be emailed at info@gg.ca. 

Letters can be faxed to (613) 998-8760 or mailed postage free to:

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
Governor General of Canada
Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario  
K1A 0A1