Among the recent appointments to the Order of Canada are Yvan Cournoyer, a former player for the Montreal Canadiens, and actor Michael J. Fox. The Order of Canada, established in 1967, recognizes individuals for their exceptional achievements, dedication to the community, and service to the nation, standing as one of Canada’s highest civilian honours.
Yvan Cournoyer was appointed an officer of the Order. He played for the Canadiens for 16 seasons, from 1963-64 to 1978-79, and was a significant part of the team’s dynasty in the 1970s. During his career, he won 10 Stanley Cups and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1973. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982 and was recognized as one of the NHL‘s 100 Greatest Players. Cournoyer’s 428 career goals place him fourth in franchise history, and his 863 points rank sixth. He also represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series, scoring three goals, including the game-winner in Game 2. Cournoyer served as the Canadiens captain from 1975 until his retirement in 1979, and his number 12 jersey was retired by the team in 2005. In his retirement, he has continued to serve as an official ambassador for the Canadiens.
Michael J. Fox, known for his roles as Marty McFly in the 1985 film Back to the Future and Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties, was promoted within the Order of Canada to a companion. He was initially named an officer of the Order in 2010. This promotion acknowledges his continued exceptional achievements, particularly his advocacy for Parkinson’s disease, which he has lived with since he was 29. His Michael J. Fox Foundation, founded in 2000, has driven transformative research. Fox has also inspired many through his writing, public speaking, and the 2023 documentary Still, which chronicles his experiences with Parkinson’s.
Fox expressed that the new honour was deeply humbling and that he would return to Rideau Hall to receive the promotion. He noted his love for Canada, stating, “I love Canada and I love being included in the Canadian experience.” He also commented on his approach to living with Parkinson’s, saying, “acceptance is a key to dealing with Parkinson’s.”
Other notable individuals promoted this year include soccer player Christine Sinclair, who was named a companion for leading the Canadian team to its first Olympic gold medal and advocating for women’s sports. Singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt was promoted to officer status for her contributions to Canadian culture and her support for military families and reconciliation efforts.
The recent announcement included a total of five promotions within the Order, comprising four companions, 19 officers, and 38 members. These additions contribute to the nearly 8,800 individuals who have been appointed to or promoted within the Order since its inception in 1967. The appointments were made by the governor general on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
Several members of Canada’s Black community were also honoured. These include Corrine Sparks, the first Black judge in Nova Scotia and the first Black woman to serve as a judge in Canada, and Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré of Montreal, Quebec’s first Black judge and Canada’s first Black law dean. Other honourees include Gordon Earle, Nova Scotia’s first Black Member of Parliament, and Toronto-based hip-hop artist, author, and educator Duane D. O. Gibson. Mayann Francis, Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor, was also appointed, expressing her deep honour and happiness.
Actor Philip Akin was recognized for his approximately 50 years of work on stage and screen, setting an example as a performer and producer. His citation noted his inspiration to many during a time when there were few Black performers on Canadian television, and acknowledged his founding of the Obsidian Theatre, which focuses on plays by Black playwrights. Akin remarked that he always believed in the empowerment and growth of Black artists in the country and in leaving a legacy.
Further appointments included Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk of Inukjuak, Quebec, the first Inuk diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion; Acadian historian Clarence LeBreton of Caraquet, New Brunswick; Prince Edward Island entrepreneur Daniel Murphy, founder of the D.P. Murphy Group hospitality enterprise; and Verna Caroline Williams of Aiyansh, British Columbia, for her efforts in revitalizing the Nisga’a language and traditional knowledge. Retired senator Charlie Watt, an Inuit leader who founded both the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and the Makivvik Corp., was also recognized for championing Indigenous rights and introducing Inuktitut to the Senate chamber during his 34-year career.
Trèva Cousineau, a leader in the Franco-Ontarian community, was cited as a “tireless activist” for her more than 60 years of work defending and promoting the Canadian Francophonie. Christopher Gaze, the founding artistic director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, was named to the Order for building the festival into a major cultural force, championing youth outreach, and strengthening British Columbia’s arts community through mentorship and public engagement. Gaze described this as a “magical moment” in his life and expressed gratitude to those who guided him, sharing his joy with many Bard lovers, colleagues, and supporters.
The new appointees to the Order of Canada will be invested and receive their insignia at ceremonies scheduled to be held at a later date.
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Source: nhl.com
