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Former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick and Others Return Order of Canada

Morgentaler's Order of Canada a "disgusting appointment"

By Tim Waggoner

MONCTON, July 9, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick Gilbert Finn is the latest in a growing list of heroic Canadians who have returned their Order of Canada medals. LifeSiteNews has also been informed that the nephew of Monsignor A.J. Goski as well as three anonymous figures have decided they will follow suit due Dr. Henry Morgentaler's "disgusting appointment".  These events come on the heels of several others who have retuned their decorations, such as the Catholic community Madonna House and Father Lucien Larre of B.C.  

The L'Acadie Nouvelle reported that Finn, who has been a member of the Order of Canada since 1974, and an officer of it since 1979, wrote a letter to Governor General Michaëlle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper declaring he would remove himself from the Order if Morgentaler were appointed to it.

"I do not want to affiliate myself in any way with Dr. Morgentaler, I can not be part of the same association as him. If Dr. Morgentaler is acceptable to the Order of Canada, the Order is not what I thought it was", says Finn.

"The reputation of Dr. Morgentaler is known across Canada and I do not share his views nor support what he has done," he added.

Similarly, the Leader-Post has published a letter written by a nephew of Order of Canada recipient Monsignor A.J. Goski, confirming he is returning his uncle's award.

Goski received the honour for his dedication to finding homes and jobs for struggling men and women, especially those who had immigrated to Canada from Europe. 

"During this time, I saw his love for his people result in many families becoming happy new citizens.  When Monsignor passed away, I proudly and respectfully retained his Order of Canada medal," stated Goski's nephew.

He said his respect for the Order of Canada has "diminished entirely" since Morgentaler's induction into it.

"I realize this is not my medal but it is the pride of our family and I know that Monsignor would not want to be a party to this disgusting appointment," he concluded.

In addition to Father Lucien Larre and Madonna House foundress Catherine Doherty's decorations being returned, LifeSiteNews has learned of other Order of Canada members who will be anonymously handing back their medals.

However, leaders in the pro-life movement have suggested that it would be more effective for disaffected Order of Canada recipients to return their medals publicly.

Jim Hughes, President of Campaign Life Coalition, told LifeSiteNews, "I think it is a big mistake to have people turn in their honours back to the Governor General without letting the public know why they are doing it. When they let the public know, then the public sympathizes with the people of honour who have received this award and whose families have received this award, and then they start to become more concerned and motivated to do something about the whole thing."

Hughes also said that public returns of the award not only encourage other recipients to follow suit, but "bring hope to the millions of Canadians who are dismayed by this award to Morgentaler by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin and her Order of Canada Advisory Council."

One Canadian who may next reject her Order of Canada membership is Roman Catholic nun, Sister Margaret Smith, who last year was inducted into the Order for her efforts in bringing health-care services to Northern Ontario.  The Winnipeg Sun has reported that, she is "profoundly shocked and saddened" over Morgentaler's appointment and is debating whether or not to return her award.

Sign the On Line Petition: "Rescind Order of Canada From Morgentaler"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08070702.html

Please see related LifeSiteNews coverage of former Order of Canada members who have returned their medals:

Large Media Presence as Catholic Community Returns Foundress' Order of Canada
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08070806.html

Order of Canada Members Return their Awards Over Morgentaler Decision
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08070307.html

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