Vancouver
When Father Lucien Larre decided to lead condemnation of the decision officially to honour the doctor who lobbied to have Canada's abortion laws changed, he was doing so at some risk.
After all, Father Larre has a few skeletons in his own closet.
The priest recently triggered an eruption of anger against the granting of the Order of Canada to Henry Morgentaler, who has been the subject of controversy for decades for his work to have abortion legalised. The Holocaust survivor said he had faced violent opposition before, mostly from the Catholic Church, 'fundamentalists and women opposed to women's rights'.
'I am very proud' of receiving the Order of Canada, he said. 'I was genuinely honoured.'
It's a sure bet that Father Larre was also proud when he received the same award 25 years ago for his work with adolescents' drug and mental problems. But now he's not so sure. After the announcement about Dr Morgentaler's prize, Father Larre said he was sending his medal back to Ottawa, saying that he knew of no other way to protest.
'It's nothing, it's a worthless award. Although I have tremendous respect for the Order of Canada, I feel I have to return it.'