The long-awaited announcement for the Order of Canada's latest recipients has been made, and some notable Canadians are receiving the country's highest civilian honour. Actor Michael J. Fox and soccer legend Christine Sinclair have been promoted to the highest level within the order, joining philanthropist Donald K. Johnson and biochemist and professor Lewis Kay.
Singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt was also promoted within the order to officer. The Order of Canada is meant to recognize people who make “extraordinary contributions to the nation.” Other new officers include Yvan Cournoyer, who won 10 Stanley Cups in his 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Israeli-Canadian film producer Niv Fichman, former Lt. Gov. of Nova Scotia Mayann Francis, and environmentalist and Indigenous rights activist Cindy Kenny-Gilday.
The newest members include Jamaican-born Canadian actor Philip Akin, children’s TV producer Roger Damon Price, Guinness World Record-setting hip-hop artist, author and educator Duane D.O. Gibson, and social justice and human rights advocate John Foster. Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour praised the appointees for their diverse backgrounds and fields, which reflect the talent and determination shaping Canada’s future.
Despite a petition launched by Conservative MP Andrew Lawton to bestow the Order of Canada on hockey broadcasting legend Don Cherry, the latter was not given the honour. The petition acknowledged Cherry’s significant contributions to Canadian sport and culture, as well as his candid and unapologetic style, which resonated with millions of Canadians.
However, Cherry and his fans can take solace in the fact that he was recently appointed to the Order of Ontario by Premier Doug Ford in February. The premier personally recommended Cherry for the honour, stating that he had made extraordinary contributions to Ontario and its people.
