“I do not see how the actions of Dr. Henry Morgentaler are in any way representative of desiring a better country. He has been instrumental in the assault of the most vulnerable in our country through the promotion of abortion.”

In an Oct. 9 statement, Collins urged Canadians to “reflect deeply” over Thanksgiving weekend and “remember that while no one of us was ever a mere part of another’s body, each one of us was, at one time, the previous unborn baby in our mother’s womb.”

“Let each of us thank God that our personal journey was not terminated,” he said. “This is no abstract issue. Nothing affects you or me more profoundly.”

While about a dozen people protested against the ceremony outside the Quebec Citadelle, Governor General Michaëlle Jean had warm words for the 20 recipients, including the 85-year-old Morgentaler.

“We are privileged to be in your company — you, who represent the best in all of us,” Jean said.

“Canada is one of the few places in the world where freedom of speech and choice prevail in a truly democratic fashion,” Morgentaler said following the ceremony. “I am proud to have been given this opportunity, coming from a wartorn Europe, to realize my potential and my dream.”

Campaign Life Coalition national organizer Mary Ellen Douglas said Morgentaler’s record is nothing to be proud of or thankful for. 

“He proudly proclaims he himself is responsible for the killing of 100,000 babies by his own hand,” she said, noting unknown thousands more of the unborn have died in his abortion clinics.

Douglas pointed out that the dozen protesters presented a petition of 3,000 names of those opposing the award.

Another small group demonstrated in Ottawa at Princess Gate, the official entrance to the Governor General’s residence.

Catholic Organization for Life and Family director Michele Boulva asked how a man who has contributed to so many abortions and has contributed to a more humane society. 

“This should be a wake-up call for all Canadians who respect human life from the moment of conception until natural death: we have the great responsibility to educate our families, friends and MPs so that life — the first of all human rights — may be fully respected and protected,” she said.

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith also issued a statement.

“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 Smith.

The Catholic Civil Rights League’s executive director Joanne McGarry noted the Governor General’s Oct. 9 press release never mentions “abortion” but uses the euphemism “health care options for Canadian women,” noting how the announcement “callously ignores how innocent lives have been obliterated by this man and his advocacy.”

“No other appointment to the Order has generated the backlash seen with this appointment,” she said, noting the “unprecedented protest” the award has received. “The Order of Canada has now been irrevocably stained by these actions, to the horror of millions of Canadians.”