OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney's office has refrained from commenting on a recent initiative by the federal Conservative Party to award the prestigious Order of Canada to Don Cherry, a figure known for his controversial stances as a hockey commentator. Spokesperson Audrey Champoux declined to disclose whether the Prime Minister believes Cherry meets the criteria for this honor, which recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions to the nation.
Champoux emphasized that the criteria for the Order of Canada are focused on extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to community service. However, she redirected further inquiries to the Canadian Heritage Department, suggesting that they may provide additional insights into Cherry’s potential nomination.
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton is spearheading an online petition on the party’s website to gather support for Cherry’s nomination. This initiative has received mixed reactions within the Conservative ranks; while some members, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have expressed support for the petition, other Quebec federal Conservatives have voiced opposition due to Cherry's past comments regarding Quebec and its French-speaking population.
McGill University political science professor Daniel Béland highlighted the nuanced political implications of this situation, suggesting that it exemplifies the ongoing divides between English and French-speaking Canadians. He noted that Cherry’s persona is perceived very differently in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada, creating a challenging environment for Carney in terms of responding to the issue appropriately.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet has pointedly commented on the dilemma facing Carney, stating that if he supports Cherry, he risks losing credibility in Quebec, while opposing the nomination could alienate him from the rest of Canada. This illustrates the delicate balance Carney must navigate regarding public opinion in different regions of the country.
Adding to the conversation, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith publicly urged Carney to endorse Cherry’s nomination in a recent social media post. Smith praised Cherry as a "Canadian icon" and a "hockey legend," asserting that his opinion on hockey remains highly regarded by millions of Canadians. She argued that the campaign for Cherry should not be a matter of debate.
According to Béland, the reaction to Poilievre’s backing of Cherry’s nomination has sparked significant backlash, particularly in Quebec. He suggested that the support may complicate the Conservatives' efforts to garner votes in the province, given Cherry’s contentious past.
Don Cherry, now 92, garnered fame through his long-running segment “Coach’s Corner” on “Hockey Night in Canada,” which spanned nearly 40 years. Known for his flamboyant fashion choices and polarizing opinions, Cherry has faced considerable backlash over the years. In 2004, he was reprimanded by the CBC and placed under a seven-second delay for disparaging comments about European players wearing visors. He drew further criticism in 2013 for suggesting that female reporters should not be allowed in NHL dressing rooms.
The apex of controversy occurred in 2019 when Cherry was fired for remarks he made suggesting that immigrants do not adequately honor Canadian soldiers by wearing poppies. The CBC condemned his comments as “divisive, discriminatory, and offensive,” to which Cherry responded that he did not intend to target visible minorities specifically.
Despite his polarizing remarks, the Conservative petition posits that Cherry's "candid and unapologetic style" embodies a spirit of authenticity and independence that resonates with many Canadians. The ongoing discourse around his potential recognition with the Order of Canada illustrates the complexities of national identity and cultural sensitivity in Canada.
