Abortion Rights Advocate Henry Morgantaler to Receive Order of Canada Friday -- Anti-Abortion Activists Expected to Tarnish Event

Abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler will receive his controversial Order of Canada in Quebec City on Friday.

Morgentaler will be among 20 recipients at a ceremony presided over by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean at the Citadel.

A statement from Rideau Hall says Morgentaler, a Holocaust survivor, has had a major impact on Canadian public policy and been a “catalyst for change and important debate.”

Morgentaler is best known for taking his fight to have the country's abortion laws struck down in the Supreme Court about 20 years ago.

His naming to the Order of Canada sparked protests from across the country with some members returning their orders and abortion opponents saying the award devalues the Order of Canada.

Opponents are promising to gather outside the Citadel on Friday to protest Morgentaler getting the award.

The Order of Canada is the country's highest civilian honour to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication to the community.

Others being honoured include Louise Arbour, former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; and prominent Montreal fashion designer Simon Chang.

from 24 Hours Vancouver