A quiet storm is brewing in Ottawa, centered around a surprising nomination: hockey commentator Don Cherry for the Order of Canada. The Prime Minister’s office remains conspicuously silent, refusing to comment on the Conservative-led push for the national honour.
The Order of Canada is reserved for those who’ve demonstrated exceptional achievement, extraordinary contribution, or remarkable dedication. Yet, Cherry’s past statements have ignited a fierce debate, exposing deep-seated divisions within the country and within the Conservative party itself.
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton is actively collecting signatures for a petition supporting the nomination, but the effort faces internal resistance. Some Quebec Conservatives are vehemently opposed, citing Cherry’s history of controversial remarks about Quebec and its people.
Political analysts see this as a stark illustration of Canada’s enduring “two solitudes” – the often-separate perceptions of Quebec and the rest of the nation. The situation presents a political tightrope for the Prime Minister, with potential fallout regardless of his stance.
Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet bluntly framed the dilemma: support Cherry and risk alienating Quebec, oppose him and lose support elsewhere in Canada. The pressure is mounting for a response.
Adding another layer to the complexity, Alberta’s Premier has publicly and forcefully endorsed Cherry’s nomination, calling him a Canadian icon and a hockey legend. She insists the debate itself is unnecessary, highlighting the strong support he enjoys in some provinces.
Experts suggest Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s enthusiastic backing of the petition was predictable, yet strategically risky. It’s unlikely to improve the party’s standing in Quebec, a crucial electoral battleground.
Don Cherry spent nearly four decades as a fixture on “Hockey Night in Canada,” known for his bold suits and even bolder opinions. However, his career was marked by controversy, including reprimands for comments about European players and female reporters.
The final blow came in 2019 when Cherry was fired for using the phrase “you people” in reference to immigrants and questioning their respect for veterans. The CBC deemed his remarks “divisive, discriminatory and offensive.”
Cherry defended his statements, claiming he wasn’t targeting any specific group. Despite the outrage, his supporters maintain his “candid and unapologetic style” resonated with millions of Canadians. The petition argues he embodies a spirit of authenticity and independence.
The debate over Cherry’s potential honour isn’t simply about hockey or even free speech. It’s a reflection of Canada’s ongoing struggle to reconcile differing values and perspectives, and the enduring power of a controversial figure to ignite national conversation.
