Three people have officially withdrawn from the Order of Canada to protest against the naming of abortion activist Henry Morgentaler to its ranks.
Michaëlle Jean accepted the resignations of Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, astronomer René Racine and pianist Jacqueline Richard, the Governor-General's office announced Monday.
Cardinal Turcotte made his intentions known last summer, saying Dr. Morgentaler is a "questionable" person who cheapens the order.
Ms. Richard evoked the late Mother Teresa's comparison of abortionists to murderers when she announced her intentions last year.
Two other prominent Roman Catholics have sent back their medallions, but the Governor-General's office said they have not sent official resignation letters.
Father Lucien Larré of Coquitlam, B.C., and former New Brunswick lieutenant-governor Gilbert Finn remain on the official list of order members.
"I returned my decorations and it was my intention to withdraw," Mr. Finn said Monday, declining to say whether he plans to send an official letter.
Dr. Morgentaler and his supporters said they expected a flood of medals to be returned after his nomination last July.