In Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the family and estate of the late philanthropist Alphonse Gerwing told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix newspaper Gerwing would have returned it himself in protest of the honor bestowed on Montreal's Dr. Henry Morgentaler.

"We know he would want to return this medal. All of us believe that," Gerwing's nephew Steve Buttinger, told the newspaper.

Gerwing died last year of liver cancer at 84 after spending much of his life trying to help Brazilian street children. He was honored with an appointment to the order in 1989.

Morgentaler, 85, defied Canada's anti-abortion laws beginning in 1969 and is credited by some and criticized by others for the legalization of the practice in Canada. He was named to the order on July 1, Canada Day, sparking a rash of protests and four recipients disavowing their honors.