QUEBEC — Abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler was awarded the Order of Canada on Friday as a few protesters voiced their opposition outside the Citadel in Quebec City.

Dr. Morgentaler was one of about 20 recipients who received the award Friday at a ceremony presided over by Governor-General Michaelle Jean.

Dr. Morgentaler, 85 is best known for taking his fight to have the country's (anti-)abortion laws struck down in the Supreme Court about 20 years ago.

His naming to the Order of Canada sparked protests from across the country with some members returning their orders and abortion opponents saying the award devalues the honour.

“I'm honoured to receive the Order of Canada today,” Dr. Morgentaler said, reading from a statement following the ceremony.

“Canada's one of the few places in the world where freedom of speech and choice prevail in a truly democratic fashion.”

The Order of Canada is the country's highest civilian honour for recognizing a lifetime of outstanding achievement and dedication to the community.

“I'm proud to have been given this opportunity coming from a war-torn Europe to realize my potential and my dream — that is to create a better and more humane society,” said Dr. Morgentaler, a Holocaust survivor.

Others who received the award Friday included Louise Arbour, former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; and prominent Montreal fashion designer Simon Chang.