Michael J. Fox, Christine Sinclair Promoted to Companion in Order of Canada as Part of 61 New Appointments

Canadian actor Michael J. Fox and soccer player Christine Sinclair have been promoted to companions of the Order of Canada, the highest distinction within the order, as part of a group of 61 appointments and promotions announced by Governor General Louise Arbour. The announcement, which also includes new officers and members, marks the most recent round of appointments to what is considered Canada’s most significant civilian honour, recognizing outstanding achievement and service.

Fox, 65, was first named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2010. Under Order of Canada protocol, individuals may be promoted within the order’s three-tiered structure—member, officer, and companion—based on continued exceptional achievement. Fox’s promotion reflects his ongoing advocacy and global impact in the field of Parkinson’s disease, a condition he has lived with since his diagnosis at age 29. The Rideau Hall citation noted Fox’s "powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s," highlighting his founding of the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, which has driven transformative research and raised $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research. The citation also referenced Fox’s writing, public speaking, and the 2023 documentary "Still," which recounts his experiences with the disease.

In an interview, Fox described the honour as humbling, expressing gratitude for being included in the Canadian experience and reflecting on his dual connection to Canada and the United States. He said, "I love Canada and I love being included in the Canadian experience," and added that his "intrinsic Canadianism is a bigger part of me than my relationship with the States." On the role of acceptance in living with Parkinson’s, Fox remarked, "If you can accept it, it doesn’t mean you’re not resolved to change it. It just means you see what it is. You know what it is and you’re honest about it. You can be optimistic and be a realist."

Christine Sinclair’s promotion to companion recognizes her status as one of Canada’s most successful athletes. The Vancouver native is the world’s leading international goal scorer, with 190 goals, and led Canada to its first Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer in 2020, after winning bronze in 2012 and 2016. The official citation described Sinclair as "one of the most influential athletes in Canadian history," and a "powerful advocate for the advancement of women’s sport," noting her inspiration to generations of athletes globally.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 and has recognized nearly 8,800 Canadians to date. The order has three levels: companion (C.C.), officer (O.C.), and member (C.M.), with a cap of 180 living companions. Promotions are considered five years after the last appointment. Friday’s announcement comprised four new companions (all promotions), 19 officers, and 38 members. The appointments were selected by former Governor General Mary Simon on April 17, 2024, based on recommendations from an advisory council, and announced by her successor, Louise Arbour, who assumed the role this month. Arbour stated, "These appointees, from diverse backgrounds and fields, reflect the talent and determination that shape Canada's future. At a time of profound global change, their achievements highlight the strength of Canadians and the values we represent to the world."

Among the new officers is Yvan Cournoyer, known as the "Roadrunner" for his speed during a 16-year career with the Montreal Canadiens. Cournoyer played 968 games, scored 428 goals and 435 assists, and won 10 Stanley Cups, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP in 1973. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982. On receiving the appointment, Cournoyer said, "It’s amazing. I said, ‘Wow. What an honour.’" He jokingly referred to the award as his "11th Stanley Cup." Cournoyer’s citation also noted his community and philanthropic work.

Other newly appointed officers include Niv Fichman, a film producer and founder of Rhombus Media, recognized for works such as "The Red Violin," "BlackBerry," "Passchendaele," and "Gunless"; Mayann Francis, Nova Scotia’s first Black lieutenant-governor; Corrine Sparks, the first Black woman appointed a judge in Canada; Cindy Kenny-Gilday, a Sahtu Dene advocate credited with exposing the health impacts of uranium mining and chairing a United Nations Indigenous taskforce; and Loreena McKennitt, a singer-songwriter promoted to officer for representing Canadian culture, supporting military families, and advancing reconciliation.

Several members of Canada’s Black community have been recognized. Mayann Francis and Corrine Sparks were promoted to officer and appointed officer, respectively. Gordon Earle, Nova Scotia’s first Black member of Parliament and a human rights advocate; Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, Quebec’s first Black judge and Canada’s first Black law dean; and Duane D.O. Gibson, a Toronto-based hip-hop artist, motivational speaker, and former Guinness World Record holder for longest freestyle rap, were all appointed as members.

Additional appointments include Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk, the first Inuk diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion; Acadian historian Clarence LeBreton; Prince Edward Island entrepreneur Daniel Murphy; Verna Caroline Williams for revitalizing the Nisga’a language; and retired senator Charlie Watt, an Inuit leader who founded both the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and the Makivvik Corp., and played a role in negotiating the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, Canada’s first modern land claim agreement. Watt served 34 years in the Senate, where he advocated for Indigenous rights and introduced Inuktitut to the chamber.

Other appointees include Trèva Cousineau, cited as a "tireless activist" for the Francophone community; Christopher Gaze, founding artistic director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, recognized for building the festival and championing youth outreach; and Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist, known for leading Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actor Philip Akin was named a member for a five-decade career on stage and screen, including founding the Obsidian Theatre, which focuses on works by Black playwrights. In an interview, Akin said, "I just really believe in the empowerment and growth of Black artists in the country and leaving a legacy behind."

The Order of Canada ceremony, which will see recipients invested and receive their insignia, will be scheduled at Rideau Hall in due course. The full list of 2024 appointees spans a wide range of fields, including the arts, sports, academia, advocacy, public service, and business, reflecting the order’s broad mandate to recognize "extraordinary contributions to the nation."

The 2024 appointments are the last selected by Mary Simon, who was succeeded by Louise Arbour earlier in June. The list of new appointments and promotions includes:

• Companions: Michael J. Fox, Christine Sinclair, Donald K. Johnson, Lewis Edward Kay.
• Officers: Eric Baker, Cecilia Benoit, Michel Bouvier, Yvan Cournoyer, Ronald C. C. Cuming, Niv Fichman, Mayann Francis, Alison Keith, Cindy Kenny-Gilday, Loreena McKennitt, Tonita Murray, Peter Nickerson, Stephanie Nolen, Beverley Orser, Duke Redbird, Corrine Sparks, Mary Thompson, Charlie Watt, Tim Whiten.
• Members: Vicki Adams Willis, Philip Akin, Stephen Archer, Andrew Atagotaaluk, Annette Bellavance, Trèva Cousineau, Allan Covens, Chris Cran, Gordon Earle, John Foster, David Fung, Christopher Gaze, Duane D.O. Gibson, Trevor Hurwitz, Prakash Joshi, Brenda Kamino, Clarence LeBreton, Martha MacLeod, Ry Moran, Danny Murphy, Nancy Nicol, Janice Pasieka, Roger Price, Caroline Quach-Thanh, Robert Quartermain, Jean-François Rivest, Colin Robertson, Lorne Segal, Mary-Deanne Shears, Harvey Skinner, Roderick Stewart, Floyd Toole, Bhavana Varma, Jerry Wang, Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, Kona Williams, Verna Williams, Anne Woolger.

New and promoted appointees are recognized for a diverse array of accomplishments and service, with Rideau Hall emphasizing their collective contribution to the shaping of Canadian society and values.