Government Not Involved In Order of Canada Appointments, says MP Allen

July 03, 2008

TOBIQUE-MACTAQUAC – Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, is receiving many e-mails and telephone calls about recent Order of Canada appointments made by the Governor General.

“The appointment of people to the Order of Canada is completely in the hands of the Governor General,” Mr. Allen explains. “I certainly understand and share the concern many people have expressed to me with regards to the decision to appoint Dr. Morgentaler.  It is hard to imagine any person who has polarized Canadians on a particular issue any more than Dr. Morgentaler has, and as a result, I personally do not support his appointment.”

The appointments are made by the Governor General based on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order, which is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

MP Allen suggests that those unhappy or concerned with an appointment to the Order of Canada contact the Governor General’s office. This can be done by e-mail at info@gg.ca, by telephone at 1-800-465-6890, fax at (613) 998-8760 or postage-free mail to Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A1. The Governor General of Canada’s full title is Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.