Don Cherry's Order of Canada Nomination Ignites Political Firestorm
The nomination of controversial hockey commentator Don Cherry for the Order of Canada by prominent Conservative Party members has ignited a significant political firestorm, creating divisions both within the party and across the broader political landscape.
Conservative MP Initiates Controversial Nomination
On March 5, 2026, Andrew Lawton, the Conservative MP for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, announced on social media that he was nominating the 92-year-old former hockey commentator for Canada's highest civilian honor. Lawton urged supporters to sign a petition backing the nomination, stating that Cherry has "celebrated hockey, honoured veterans, and said what millions think—without apology."
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre quickly endorsed the idea on social media, declaring that "Don Cherry embodies what it means to be a proud Canadian" and expressing his support for the nomination effort.
Immediate Political Backlash Emerges
The nomination received immediate and fierce political backlash, primarily due to Cherry's history of controversial comments about immigrants and French-speaking Quebecers. Cherry was fired from Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast in 2019 after making remarks that implied immigrants were reluctant to buy poppies and support Canadian veterans.
In his infamous Coach's Corner segment, Cherry stated: "You people that come here... you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that... These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price."
Additionally, in 2004, Cherry made comments against "Europeans and French guys" during a debate about mandatory visor use in hockey, further alienating Quebec audiences.
Bloc Québécois Leaders Voice Strong Opposition
Bloc Québécois leaders responded with particularly strong criticism to the nomination proposal. Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet stated that nominating Cherry would be "an insult to Quebecers" and expressed shock that the Conservative Party was championing his nomination.
"There are few Quebecers who appreciate this guy," Blanchet declared. "And, probably, no Blocists."
In the House of Commons, Bloc MP Mario Simard argued that the Conservative Party's support for Cherry demonstrates they are "out of touch with the reality in Quebec." Simard questioned whether Canada could find someone to honor "who hasn't insulted everyone in the world who isn't an English Canadian white man."
Division Within Conservative Ranks
Even within the Conservative Party, the nomination has failed to achieve unanimous support. Pierre-Paul Hus, the Conservative MP for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, publicly opposed the nomination, stating: "With all due respect, the nomination of Don Cherry to the Order of Canada is a bad idea. Mr. Cherry made remarks that were unacceptable to the Québécois nation and francophones. I don't support this nomination for the Order of Canada."
Broader Political Commentary
Political commentator Mario Dumont weighed in on the controversy in the Journal de Montréal, questioning whether Cherry represents a unifying figure worthy of Canada's highest civilian honor. Dumont raised concerns about whether political parties should be nominating individuals for the Order of Canada, particularly those whose public statements have been deemed insulting to significant segments of the population.
The controversy emerges just one month after Cherry was appointed to the Order of Ontario, highlighting ongoing debates about how Canada recognizes controversial public figures. The nomination has sparked broader conversations about national unity, political representation, and the criteria for receiving Canada's most prestigious honors.
