Remember when it was announced that Dr. Henry Morgentaler, the Canadian abortion doctor, was to receive the Order of Canada.
All hell broke loose. Several prominent Catholics were so disgusted they returned their own Orders of Canada. Cardinal Turcotte of Montreal. giving back his, said “We are not the master of human life.”
In an article in the Globe and Mail on Saturday, Jean Vanier who has spent his life helping the intellectually handicapped, a Catholic who opposes abortion, explains why he did not return his:
“…. I believe in the Order of Canada. It is not up to me to judge who should be banned from receiving it. In no way can I judge intentions. .. I am proud to have received the Order of Canada. It was not just awarded to me but as a sign of the value of people with disabilities …”
In the context of the Morgentaler award, should Jean Vanier keep his Order of Canada?
Vanier’s comment explains it all. He should be all the more respected for that. Cardinal Turcotte et Alii had other motivations also to be respected. This is freedom of thought and of expression in all its glory.
Certainly, he should keep it.
Both Vanier and the Cardinal have responded in a manner they believe is in line with the constituencies they have been called to serve. Without passing judgment on either one, that is as it should be.
Ironically enough, Turcotte is right — he (or anyone else) is not the master of human life. Any life. Including the individual life that walks and talks and makes its own individual choices whether or not to keep an award based on political and religious considerations. Or not.
And I wouldn’t call four returnees “several.”
It is of the realm of a protest vote, not a matter of who is right or wrong. Each decides as they see it.
As a matter fact, without going into to much detail, I spoke to George Vanier, the G.G. at the time. On three occasions I talked to him as I provided additional security for him, during the F.L.Q., crisis. At the time we both attended Mass at St. James Cathedral.
He would not have given Dr. Henry Morgentaler an medal.
Peter, wrong Vanier.
And the Governor General does not have a vote in the decision of who gets the medal and who does not. If the medal is awarded by the committee, the GG must give it.
You are right Chimera about both remarks. The present Vanier, Jean, is the son of the late General Vanier Peter spoke to.
Not sure the GG MUST award the medal. But I am sure the GG can “make an Ordinance terminating the person’s appointment to the Order”.
Also, a request to consider the termination of an appointment to the Order of Canada may be made by ANY PERSON in writing to the Deputy Secretary, The Chancellery.
Check out http://www.gg.ca/honours/nat-ord/oc/oc-con_e.asp#1
I was fully aware that Jean Vanier, was the son of the late Governor General George Vanier, thats why I made the connection.
“If the medal is awarded by the committee, the GG must give it”,
I repeat, that Governor General Vanier, would not have given the medal, no matter who ordered it.