Former Supreme Court justice defends Morgentaler
Published Saturday October 11th, 2008
QUEBEC - Former Supreme Court of Canada justice Louise Arbour leapt to Dr. Henry Morgentaler's defence on Friday after she and the controversial abortion rights activist were named to the Order of Canada along with 18 other people.
About a dozen protesters, some carrying signs declaring that "Abortion Kills Children," staged a small protest outside the walled Citadel where Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean handed out the awards.
Morgentaler, 85, is best known for getting the country's abortion laws struck down in the Supreme Court about 20 years ago.
"I'm honoured to receive the Order of Canada today," he said, reading from a statement following the ceremony.
"Canada's one of the few places in the world where freedom of speech and choice prevail in a truly democratic fashion.
"I'm proud to have been given this opportunity coming from a war-torn Europe to realize my potential and my dream - that is to create a better and more humane society," the Holocaust survivor added.
He did not take questions from reporters apparently on the advice of his entourage.
But other recipients did and found themselves answering questions about the controversial Montreal doctor.
Arbour told reporters it was "an honour to be in the company of people who truly represent Canadian pluralism and our great diversity."
"In the specific case of Dr. Morgentaler, I think he represents values that Canadians should be happy to celebrate: courage, passion, dedication, personal service to a cause that obviously has been a controversial one," Arbour said. She said Canadians should have full confidence in the committee which advises the Governor General on the award, which is the country's highest civilian honour
The former UN high commissioner for human rights said it is dangerous to personalize the abortion debate.
"I think we have the right to have this kind of debate, we have the right to have differences of opinion, but I think that we cannot associate ourselves with comments that personalize a hateful or contemptuous message towards another person," she said.
She also said her award as Companion of the Order was "a magnificent recognition, particularly of the work that I did outside the country."
Arbour was a former chief prosecutor for the international criminal tribunals investigating human rights abuses in Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
A brief summary provided by the Governor General's office said Arbour was known for her relentless drive to see criminals brought to justice, regardless of status or title.
"When you work outside the country, you don't have the day-to-day feedback, in fact you have no sense that anyone is paying any attention," she added.
Others who received the award included Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; New Brunswicker Jack Irving, the head of several companies in the construction and engineering fields; and prominent Montreal fashion designer Simon Chang.
Protesters complained the announcement that the Order of Canada medals would be presented Friday was made public only the day before.
But several recipients said they were invited weeks ago to the ceremony, which was held in Quebec City as part of the city's 400th-anniversary celebrations.
News this summer that Morgentaler would be honoured sparked protests across the country with some members returning their orders and abortion opponents saying the award devalued the honour.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Edmonton issued a statement Friday denouncing the award for Morgentaler.
"As I have already said, I am deeply troubled that we would give our highest civilian honour to one who has dedicated his career to the termination of our weakest and most vulnerable brothers and sisters, namely the unborn," said Archbishop Richard Smith.
"Far from strengthening the common good of our country, promoters of abortion weaken it terribly by denying to our weakest brothers and sisters the most fundamental of all human rights, the right to life.
"In no way should this be honoured by the awarding of the Order of Canada."
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The only way I can see it getting back its reputation is either taking it back from Morgentaler or for anyone with a conscience to refuse it if they are chosen for it. That is the only way it (Order of Canada) restore its prestigious honor. Other than that it's worthless.