Celebrated actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox, expressed feelings of “pride” and “humility” upon receiving a prestigious promotion within the Order of Canada on Friday. The audience at Rideau Hall gave Fox a standing ovation as Governor General Louise Arbour officially bestowed upon him the companion level of the Order of Canada.
According to Rideau Hall, Fox’s promotion to the companion level recognizes his impactful global advocacy and unwavering honesty in addressing Parkinson’s disease. Reflecting on the ceremony, Fox shared with The Canadian Press, “It’s a myriad of emotions. Primarily, it stems from my upbringing in Canada, my love for this country, and my admiration for its progress and resilience in times of need.”
Parkinson’s is a degenerative nervous system disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements, often accompanied by mental health challenges. Since publicly disclosing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998, Fox has been actively fundraising for research on the disease and openly discussing the struggles faced by those living with its symptoms.
Fox highlighted Canada’s significant contributions to Parkinson’s research, particularly in pioneering treatments like deep brain stimulation. He was among 51 individuals honored within the Order of Canada on that day. Arbour commended each inductee for their outstanding achievements and altruism, emphasizing the importance of using one’s talents to benefit others and contribute to the greater good.
Recognized alongside Fox were notable individuals such as Yusuf Altintas, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, and Nada Jabado, a pediatric neuro-oncology expert at McGill University. Additionally, former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susanne Craig were among the distinguished honorees.
The investiture ceremony also acknowledged sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy for her impactful bronze sculptures exploring themes of gender, heritage, and national identity. Noteworthy mentions included Colin Roswell Clarke for his role in the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program and Marcelle Dubois for her contributions to revitalizing Quebec’s playwriting scene.
Patrick Joseph Lahey, co-founder of Triton Submarines, was lauded for his expertise in submersibles and advocacy for safety practices in deep-sea exploration. The diverse array of honorees underscored the Order of Canada’s commitment to recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields.
In a nod to Fox’s iconic roles in the “Back to the Future” film series, Arbour concluded her remarks by stating, “Back to the future has always been a much better idea than forward to the past,” encapsulating Fox’s enduring impact on Canadian and global communities.
