Recognizing Canadian Achievements
Several notable Canadians, including eight from Quebec, have been appointed to or promoted within the Order of Canada. This round of appointments, announced on Friday, includes 61 individuals recognized for their contributions to the nation. Among those honoured is former Montreal Canadiens player Yvan Cournoyer, who was appointed an officer of the Order.
Yvan Cournoyer, known as ‘Roadrunner’ for his speed, played 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, during which the team secured 10 Stanley Cups. His career with the Habs included 968 games, where he recorded 428 goals and 435 assists. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982. Beyond his athletic achievements, Cournoyer has also been recognized for his community and philanthropic work.
Another prominent figure receiving recognition is actor Michael J. Fox, who was promoted to a companion of the Order. Fox, who was initially named an officer in 2010, is celebrated for his global advocacy and honesty regarding Parkinson’s disease. He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, nine years after his diagnosis, which has since raised $2.5 billion for research into the disease.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 at the age of 29, has used his platform to raise awareness and inspire others. His work includes the 2023 documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which chronicles his life in Hollywood and his experiences with the disease. He also had an arc on the Apple TV Plus show Shrinking, where his character discussed living with Parkinson’s.
Promotions and New Appointments
Christine Sinclair, a renowned soccer player from Vancouver, was promoted to a companion of the Order of Canada. She is recognized for leading the Canadian team to its first Olympic gold medal and for her advocacy in advancing women’s sports. Her citation from Governor General Mary Simon highlights her as one of the most influential athletes in Canadian history.
These additions contribute to the nearly 8,800 individuals who have been appointed or promoted since the Order’s inception in 1967. The appointments were made by Mary Simon, based on recommendations from an advisory council.
Among the other Quebecers honoured are Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré from Montreal, recognized as Quebec’s first Black judge and Canada’s first Black law dean. Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk of Inukjuak, Quebec, the first Inuk diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion, also received an appointment. Additionally, Charlie Watt, a former senator and influential Inuk leader, was recognized. Watt founded both the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and the Makivvik Corp., and played a significant role in negotiating the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.
Other notable appointments include film producer Niv Fichman, who was promoted, and children’s TV producer Roger Damon Price, who became a new member. Corrine Sparks, the first Black judge in Nova Scotia and first Black woman to serve as a judge in Canada, was also honoured. Mayann Francis, Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor, received an appointment, as did actor Philip Akin, recognized for his work on stage and screen and for founding the Obsidian Theatre.
Singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt was promoted to officer status for her representation of Canadian culture and her support for military families and reconciliation efforts. Trèva Cousineau, a leader in the Franco-Ontarian community, was cited for her activism in promoting the Canadian Francophonie. Christopher Gaze, founding artistic director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, was named to the Order for his contributions to the arts community. New appointees will be invested and receive their insignia at ceremonies to be held in due course.
Source: sportsnet.ca
