Don Cherry Reportedly Set to Receive Order of Ontario After Years of Advocacy
Legendary hockey broadcaster and former NHL coach Don Cherry is finally set to receive the Order of Ontario, according to multiple sources familiar with the selection process. The 92-year-old icon, known for his decades on Hockey Night in Canada's Coach's Corner, has been nominated for the province's highest civilian honor numerous times over the years.
Premier Ford Backs Cherry's Recognition
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly expressed his support for Cherry receiving the prestigious award. "I love Don," Ford said in a text message. "He deserves it." The premier confirmed he personally nominated Cherry for the honor, which recognizes Ontarians who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and left a lasting legacy.
While no formal announcement has been made, sources indicate the selection committee finalized Cherry's inclusion during a meeting last month, with the official recipients list expected to be released imminently. Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor confirmed the new recipients would be announced soon.
A Career of Controversy and Patriotism
Cherry's path to this recognition has been anything but smooth. The broadcaster was famously fired by Sportsnet in 2019 following his Remembrance Day commentary where he criticized "you people" who enjoy Canada's "milk and honey" but don't purchase poppies to support veterans. Cherry maintained he was merely expressing patriotic sentiment, not attacking any particular group.
His career has been marked by both controversy and unwavering Canadian patriotism. Long before "America First" became a political slogan in the United States, Cherry championed "Canada First" principles throughout his broadcasting career. He has consistently supported military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders, even traveling to Afghanistan to visit Canadian troops during Christmas.
Opening Doors for Further Honors
This provincial recognition could pave the way for other honors that have eluded Cherry for decades. Despite receiving the King's Coronation Medal in 2025, Cherry has not been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame nor received the Order of Canada—both honors that supporters argue he richly deserves.
High-profile advocates have been pushing for Cherry's recognition behind the scenes, including hockey legends Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky, along with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. These supporters argue that Cherry's contributions to Canadian culture, sports broadcasting, and charitable causes merit national acknowledgment.
Changing Public Perception
Public sentiment toward Cherry appears to be shifting years after his controversial firing. Many now view his 2019 comments as an expression of patriotic fervor rather than intentional offense. Some immigrants have even expressed agreement with his poppy remarks, suggesting Cherry's message resonated beyond his traditional fan base.
Cherry has always been a polarizing figure, famously appearing at Rob Ford's 2010 mayoral swearing-in ceremony wearing a pink suit while criticizing "left-wing pinko newspapers." That moment cemented his reputation as a conservative voice willing to challenge mainstream media narratives.
A Legacy of Canadian Values
Born in 1934 and raised during the Second World War, Cherry developed deep respect for military service from childhood. Throughout his broadcasting career, he regularly memorialized fallen soldiers, police officers, and young hockey players on national television. His charitable work has raised millions of dollars for various causes.
The Order of Ontario description states it honors those "whose contributions have shaped—and continue to shape—the province's history and place in Canada." Supporters argue few individuals better embody this description than Cherry, who has proudly promoted Ontario communities like Kingston and Mississauga throughout his career.
While the honor comes later than many believe appropriate, supporters maintain it's better late than never for recognizing one of Ontario's most distinctive cultural figures.
