A recent Leger poll has uncovered a three-way division among Canadians regarding whether hockey commentator Don Cherry should be awarded the Order of Canada. The survey found that 30 percent of respondents support the nomination, while 29 percent oppose it. However, 27 percent were undecided, and 14 percent admitted they had never heard of Cherry.
Political and Regional Divides
The poll revealed significant differences based on political affiliation and geography. Among Liberal supporters, 40 percent opposed the award, compared to 26 percent in favor. In contrast, Conservative voters showed strong support, with 47 percent approving and only 14 percent against. Bloc Québécois voters were the most opposed, with 50 percent against and just 7 percent in favor.
Regionally, Quebecers were least likely to support Cherry's nomination, with only 10 percent in favor and 40 percent opposed. In every other province, at least 32 percent supported the honor.
Generational Awareness
Younger Canadians were less familiar with Cherry. Among those aged 18 to 34, 30 percent had never heard of him, compared to 12 percent of those aged 35 to 54 and just 6 percent of those over 55. Bloc Québécois voters also had the highest rate of unfamiliarity, at 26 percent.
Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Leger's Central Canada operations, noted that this was an unusual question for the firm. "I don't recall us ever testing the waters on any other personalities getting the Order of Canada," he said.
Background on Cherry's Nomination
Don Cherry, 92, was appointed to the Order of Ontario in February and received a congratulatory visit from Premier Doug Ford. In March, Conservative MP Andrew Lawton announced he would nominate Cherry for the Order of Canada, a move supported by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who called Cherry a "proud Canadian."
However, Cherry's controversial past, including comments about immigrants and French-speaking Quebecers that led to his firing from Sportsnet in 2019, has sparked backlash. The poll suggests these factors may influence public opinion.
Enns speculated that the results might not bode well for Cherry's nomination. "When you look at these results, it's probably not the type of nominee that you'd necessarily want to put forward. It might garner some negativity."
The poll surveyed 1,521 adult Canadians from April 24 to 26, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.51 percent, 19 times out of 20.
