Hockey commentator Don Cherry appears in Toronto on Feb. 15, 2011, during a public event. The longtime broadcaster became widely known across Canada for his outspoken views on hockey and his colourful on-air personality. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Mark Carney has not taken a public position on a campaign that calls for former hockey commentator Don Cherry to receive the Order of Canada.
A spokesperson for the prime minister, Audrey Champoux, did not say whether Carney believes Cherry deserves the country’s highest civilian honour. The award recognizes people who show exceptional achievement, major contributions to Canada, or strong service to their communities.
Champoux only pointed to the official requirements for the honour and directed questions about the nomination process to the federal Heritage Department.
Conservative Petition Drives Campaign
The push for Cherry’s recognition began with Andrew Lawton, a Conservative member of Parliament who launched an online petition through the party’s website. Supporters continue to add their names to the campaign.
Not everyone in the Conservative Party agrees with the effort. Some Quebec-based Conservatives oppose the petition because of comments Cherry made in the past about Quebec and francophones.
However, Pierre Poilievre has voiced support for the initiative, which has sparked strong reactions across the country.
Political Risk Across Regions
Political scientist Daniel Béland from McGill University said the debate shows how differently Canadians view Cherry depending on where they live.
“When we talk about the two solitudes, we have a perfect example here,” Béland said, referring to the long-standing cultural and political divide between Quebec and other parts of Canada.
He suggested the issue could create a difficult situation for Carney if reporters press him for a clear answer.
Bloc Leader Highlights Political Dilemma
Yves-François Blanchet quickly pointed out the political challenge.
"If he's for it, Mr. Carney pays the price in Quebec. If he's against it, he pays in Canada," Blanchet wrote on X.
The comment reflects the sharp difference in public opinion about Cherry’s legacy.
Alberta Premier Voices Strong Support
Meanwhile, Danielle Smith publicly backed Cherry’s nomination in a social media message.
"This shouldn’t even be up for debate," Smith wrote.
"Don Cherry is a Canadian icon, a hockey legend and is loved by Albertans. He’s not just one of the greats, his word and opinion about our national sport is still treated as hockey gospel by millions of Canadians."
Cherry’s Long and Controversial Career
Cherry, now 92, became one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian sports through his “Coach’s Corner” segment on Hockey Night in Canada. Viewers watched him for nearly 40 years as he shared strong opinions about hockey while wearing bright, colourful suits.
His career also brought controversy.
In 2004, CBC publicly reprimanded him and introduced a short broadcast delay after he said only "Europeans and French guys" wore visors. Years later, critics condemned remarks he made in 2013 suggesting female reporters should not enter NHL dressing rooms.
Cherry’s long run on television ended in 2019 after he made comments about immigrants and poppies during a broadcast on Sportsnet. The network announced his departure soon after.
At the time, Cherry defended his words and said he had not singled out visible minorities.
Supporters Praise His Impact
Despite the criticism, many fans still admire Cherry’s outspoken personality and deep connection to Canada’s national sport.
The Conservative petition describes his style as bold and direct, saying it reflected a spirit that many Canadians appreciated.
For now, the debate over whether Cherry deserves the Order of Canada continues across political circles and among hockey fans nationwide.
