Celebrated actor and Parkinson’s disease activist Michael J. Fox said he felt both pride and humility while receiving a promotion within the Order of Canada on Friday. Spectators stood and applauded Fox at Rideau Hall as Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour officially named him to the companion level of the Order of Canada. Rideau Hall noted that Fox was elevated to the companion level to honour his powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s. Fox went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998, raising funds for research into the disease and sharing candid experiences about the challenges faced by those living with its symptoms. Following the ceremony, Fox spoke about growing up in Canada, expressing his love for the country, its music, and its content. He was among 51 people inducted into, or promoted within, the Order of Canada on Friday. Arbour praised each inductee for demonstrating excellence and choosing to use their skills, influence, and energy to help others and contribute to the common good. Arbour also referenced Fox’s iconic roles in the Back to the Future trilogy of movies, stating that sustainable progress requires moving forward with courage, imagination, and determination. Several other notable figures were also recognized during the ceremony at Rideau Hall. Yusuf Altintas, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, was inducted as an officer, alongside Nada Jabado, a professor at McGill University honoured for her work in pediatric neuro-oncology. Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz was inducted as an officer for helping facilitate Canada’s international trade and promote economic well-being. Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy was inducted as a member for her life-size bronze pieces exploring themes of gender, heritage, and nation-building. Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Susanne Craig was invested as a member for her work with prominent publications covering contemporary issues. Colin Roswell Clarke was inducted for founding the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program, Marcelle Dubois for revitalizing Quebec playwriting, and Patrick Joseph Lahey for his work as a leading expert on submersibles.
Source: cbc.ca
