News

By Thaddeus M. Baklinski

OTTAWA, December 10, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – On Friday, December 12, Deborah Grey – a Canadian politician who was instrumental in the founding of both the Canadian Alliance and Conservative parties – will be made an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor.

In a Western Standard interview yesterday, however, Grey complained that by granting the award to Canada’s father of abortion, Henry Morgentaler, the Order of Canada committee had honored someone who was a “divider.”

“The Order of Canada is a great honour, since its inception in 1967,” she attested. “It has traditionally been an honour that has united the country by celebrating the achievements of people in all regions, under many categories. Unfortunately, Morgentaler has been more of a divider than a unifier in Canada.”

Grey expressed her gratitude that her own mother had not aborted her, and pointed out the irony that Morgentaler was appointed to the Order on her birthday. “He was appointed on my birthday – July 1,” she said. “I am very grateful my mother did not meet up with him. She gave me life – the most precious gift of all.”

Grey concluded that despite her disappointment with the Morgentaler appointment, “I will accept and celebrate my appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, even though I disagree with his appointment. I suspect he may disagree with mine!”

The commendation about Grey posted on the Governor General’s website reads: “Known for being a dedicated parliamentarian and an outspoken advocate for youth, education and democratic reform, Deborah Grey is a role model for women in politics.

“She sat as the sole member of Parliament for the former Reform Party of Canada for several years and was instrumental in building the party to its pinnacle of 52 seats. She has also been influential in the formation and success of the new Conservative Party of Canada.

“Beyond the sphere of politics, she has demonstrated her commitment to youth and education as a foster parent, teacher and public speaker.”

Grey’s first legislative assistant was a young Stephen Harper.