MP outraged at Morgentaler award

By Neil Horner
July 7^th, 2008

Awarding the Order of Canada to Canada's leading abortion crusader debases the honour and diminishes it for everyone who receives it, said Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney.

"As the highest civilian award, the Order of Canada signifies a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree,"Lunney said.

"It should bring us together with a sense of national pride and shared values."

Morgentaler, he said, does not bring people together, nor does he represent common values.

"It seems the advisory council lacked the good grace and common sense to avoid a candidate ... whose accomplishments are so deeply divisive."

Lunney stressed naming Morgentaler for the award was not a decision of the government of Canada. Rather, he said, the award was presented through the office of the Governor General and decided by a committee chaired by Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin.

"One is left with the distinct impression that in promoting so controversial a candidate, the individuals involved displayed an uncommon arrogance, disdain and disrespect for those millions of Canadians whose conscience will not countenance an endorsement of this man's accomplishments,"Lunney said.

Lunney said his office has received numerous objections from constituents who are outraged at Morgentaler's award - an outrage he shares.

"It would be my hope that Dr. Morgentaler lives long enough to see this award revoked or to do something worthy of receiving it,"he said.

Lunney urged those who disagree with Morgentaler's award to write to the Governor General directly to express their displeasure at info@gg.ca.

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