Controversial broadcaster, who played junior hockey in Barrie during the early 1950s, is among the latest provincial awardees
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a Village Media site dedicated to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park.
What do Roberta Bondar, Margaret Atwood, Jane Jacobs, and Don Cherry share?
The title “OOnt” after their names as inductees into the Order of Ontario.
Cherry, the former NHL coach turned CBC commentator, is one of 30 new members appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest civilian honor. Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont announced this on Tuesday.
A longtime resident of Mississauga, Cherry is now 92 years old. He played professional hockey before becoming head coach of the Boston Bruins in 1974.
He also spent three seasons playing junior hockey with the Barrie Flyers in the Ontario Hockey Association from 1951-52 to 1953-54.
Later on, Cherry became well-known for his role on Hockey Night in Canada and stirred up controversy with his opinions about European players and remarks that some deemed “xenophobic.”
He was taken off his Coach’s Corner segment in 2019 after he claimed Canadian immigrants didn’t wear Remembrance Day poppies as a sign of disrespect to veterans’ sacrifices.
“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,” said Cherry during the broadcast on Nov. 10, 2019.
In his biography for the Order of Ontario, Cherry is referred to as a “prominent Canadian hockey figure,” known for his “bold broadcasting style and decades-long commitment to the sport.”
“Cherry is also recognized for extensive philanthropy supporting military and police initiatives as well as youth sports and animal welfare through Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation,” states his biography.
The Order of Ontario marks at least the second recent accolade for Cherry. Last year he was nominated by Premier Doug Ford for a King Charles III Coronation Medal which he received last June.
Ford told reporters on Tuesday that he thinks Cherry deserves this recognition from the Order of Ontario.
“He’s given back to minor hockey for so many years and helped out so many charitable organizations,” said Ford. He added that he believes Cherry has “massive support” among Toronto hockey fans.
“Bring Don out to Scotiabank Arena when the Leafs play; the place will go ballistic.”
Cherry has a long-standing connection with the Ford family. He spoke at former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s inaugural council meeting in 2010 where he remarked that Rob would be “the greatest mayor” in Toronto history while telling critics to “put that in your pipe, you left-wing kooks.”
Since its inception in 1986 aimed at recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Ontario and Canada, there have been over 900 appointments to the Order of Ontario. Recipients are entitled to use post-nominal initials “OOnt.”
The rest of those recognized on this year’s list includes Rogers Communications executive Edward Rogers, Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey, former Conservative MP John Carmichael and Labourers’ International Union leader Joe Mancinelli-a close political ally of Premier Ford’s government.
Additions include Indigenous health scholar Jamaica Cass, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kathleen Gartke and David Mac Naughton-who previously served as Canada’s ambassador to Washington before taking executive positions at Palantir Technologies and luxury spa-builder Therme.
The full list along with their biographies provided by the province follows:
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