Toronto, ON – May 21, 2026 – The Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) mourns the passing of a true champion and friend, Jim Hughes. We were deeply saddened to be advised this past Sunday, May 18, of his death. Jim had been in declining health since suffering a stroke in 2025. We remain assured that he will receive the promises of Christ.
Jim received the CCRL Archbishop Adam Exner Award for Catholic Excellence in Public Life in 2007, recognizing his outstanding public witness and leadership within the pro-life movement.
As the League noted at the time of his award, Jim was a tireless volunteer and then a guiding force in broadening the scope of Canada’s pro-life movement to combat other anti-life forces, including the re-definition of marriage, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.
Mr. Hughes served with distinction as the National President of Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) and the Vice President of the International Right to Life Federation.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Jim was a successful businessman. In 1978, he stepped away from his business ventures for what was intended to be an original commitment of two years to dedicate his services to the pro-life cause. Jim never left, and the cause of life in Canada and around the world became the lasting beneficiary of his lifelong commitment.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia, a registered nurse, as well as their four adult children and many grandchildren.
CCRL President Phil Horgan commented:
Getting to know Jim and working with him have been some of the greatest pleasures of my life. He never lacked for optimism, knowing that all of our work was in God’s hands. I would turn to Jim on occasion for strategic guidance on issues of the day. He could always be counted on as a trustworthy resource, often delivered in a positive tone. I will miss our interactions.
The League extends its deepest sympathies to Ginny and to all of Jim’s family. May his memory be a blessing to us all, and may he rest in peace.
About the Archbishop Exner Award
The CCRL established the Archbishop Exner Award in 2004 to honour Archbishop Adam Exner, OMI, Archbishop Emeritus of Vancouver, upon his retirement and to recognize outstanding achievement in advocacy, education, life issues, media and culture, and philanthropy.
Previous recipients include:
Dr. Moira McQueen, scholar, moral theologian, bioethicist (2025)
Charles Lewis, journalist and anti-euthanasia advocate (2024)
Fr. Anthony Van Hee, SJ, prolife activist through prayerful protest (2019)
Dr. Catherine Ferrier, Catholic physician, Physicians’ Alliance against Euthanasia (2018)
Dr. Robert Walley, founder of MaterCare International (2017)
Alex Schadenberg, anti-euthanasia/assisted suicide activist (2016)
Dr. Donald DeMarco, scholar, writer, seminary professor, and pro-life activist (2015)
Gwen Landolt, long time national Vice-President of REAL Women of Canada, pro- life advocate, promoter of the family in national and international circles (2014)
Fr. Alphonse de Valk, CSB, pro-life activist, writer and editor (2013)
Michael D. O’Brien, artist and author, for creative work incorporating authentic Catholicism and Catholic teaching (2012)
Suzanne LaVallee of Quebec for leadership in education (2010)
Frank Chauvin of Windsor, Ontario, founder of Haiti’s first orphanage for girls and initiator of an application for review of the process by which Henry Morgentaler was awarded the Order of Canada (2009)
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew and Joan Simone of Toronto, co-founders of Canadian Food for Children, for services to philanthropy and international aid (2008)
Campaign Life Coalition President Jim Hughes of Toronto for service to the pro-life movement (2007)
Fraser Field of Vancouver, founder of Catholic Educators’ Resource Centre, for service to education (2006)
Regina business leader Frederick W. Hill for philanthropy and community service (2005)
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About the CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (CCRL) (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. The CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization with a large nationwide membership base. The CCRL is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
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