Don Cherry Named to the Order of Ontario, Fueling Order of Canada Debate
The 92-year-old hockey broadcaster Don Cherry has been included among the 30 new appointees to the Order of Ontario for 2025, as announced by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont. This recognition has immediately sparked widespread speculation about whether Cherry might next be considered for the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honor.
A Divisive Figure in Hockey and Politics
Cherry, who celebrated his 92nd birthday this month, is best known for his nearly three-decade run on Coach's Corner during Hockey Night in Canada and the popular Rock'Em Sock'Em hockey highlight videos. Throughout his career, his right-of-centre politics and often politically incorrect views have made him a polarizing figure, equally beloved and criticized by Canadians.
His appointment to the Order of Ontario comes after years of public debate about his legacy. Social media platforms frequently see calls for Cherry to receive the Order of Canada, particularly when new inductees are announced annually. A petition on the conservative website StrongandProud.ca has gathered over 12,000 signatures supporting this cause.
Historical Context and Previous Honors
In 2004, Cherry placed seventh in CBC TV's The Greatest Canadian poll, ranking behind figures like Tommy Douglas and Terry Fox, all of whom (except Frederick Banting) have received the Order of Canada. Fellow broadcasters such as Scott Oake, Colleen Jones, Foster Hewitt, and Brian McFarlane have also been honored with the Order of Canada.
Cherry's history with honors includes turning down an honorary degree from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2011 after criticism from a professor who cited his controversial statements about French-speaking Canadians, LGBTQ+ communities, and immigrants. More recently, he was among 30,000 recipients of King Charles III's Coronation Medal for significant contributions to Canada.
The Firing from CBC and Ongoing Controversy
Coach's Corner was co-hosted by Dave Hodge from 1982 to 1986 and by Ron MacLean from 1986 to 2019. Cherry's tenure ended abruptly in 2019 when he was fired by the CBC and the show was cancelled after he made comments suggesting that Canadian immigrants benefit from veterans' sacrifices but do not wear remembrance poppies. MacLean and Sportsnet apologized, but Cherry refused to do so.
Despite this controversy, the Ontario government emphasizes that appointments to the Order of Ontario are made by an independent advisory council based on merit, with nominations from the public. The 2025 appointees bring the total to 933 since the Order's establishment in 1986.
Official Recognition and Public Reaction
Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont stated in the announcement, "The 2025 Order of Ontario appointees represent the very best of our province. Through their exceptional dedication and achievements, they have made profound contributions that have touched lives across Ontario and beyond. May their remarkable examples continue to inspire us all to work together for the greater good."
On social media, Cherry's X feed shared the news of his appointment, with one of the first replies congratulating him and suggesting, "next up, the Order of Canada." This sentiment reflects the ongoing public discourse about whether Cherry's contributions to hockey and Canadian culture outweigh his controversial moments.
As Cherry joins the ranks of Order of Ontario recipients, the question of an Order of Canada remains open, highlighting the complex interplay between recognition, legacy, and public opinion in Canadian honors systems.
