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Spectators stood to applaud Michael J. Fox at Rideau Hall on Friday as Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour officially promoted the celebrated actor and Parkinson’s disease activist to companion of the Order of Canada.
Rideau Hall said Fox was elevated to the companion level to honour his “powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness and slowness and is linked to depression and memory problems.
Fox, who went public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998, has raised funds for research into the disease and has shared candid experiences about the challenges faced by those living with its symptoms.
Famed actor Michael J. Fox has been promoted to companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level within the order.
The Order of Canada is meant to recognize people who make ‘extraordinary contributions to the nation,’ according to the Governor General of Canada website. Fox is also a vocal advocate in raising awareness for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The actor went public with news he had Parkinson’s in 1998 and is a co-founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
He was among 51 people inducted into, or promoted within, the Order of Canada on Friday.
Arbour said each inductee had demonstrated excellence and thanked them for their work.
“You could have used your talents solely to further your own success. Instead, you have chosen to use your skills, influence and energy to help others,” said in French.
“Because talent, as exceptional as it may be, is not sufficient on its own. It also takes the will to get involved and to take action to improve one’s community and contribute to the common good.”
Arbour said Fox is a “shining example of this.”
“Your example reminds us of something that’s very fundamental: sustainable progress requires that we move forward with courage, imagination and determination,” she said.
“After all, back to the future has always been a much better idea than forward to the past.”
Academics, artists among honourees
Yusuf Altintas, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, was inducted as an officer of the Order of Canada, along with Nada Jabado, a professor at McGill University who is being 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 its economic well-being.
Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy was inducted as a member. Rideau Hall said she has created iconic life-size bronze pieces showcased around the world and that her work explores themes of gender, heritage and nation-building.
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Susanne Craig was inducted as a member for her work with The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Wall Street Journal.
Rideau Hall described her as one of the most outstanding journalists of her generation, citing her coverage of contemporary issues in the United States.
Colin Roswell Clarke was inducted as a member for his work as founder and artistic director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program. Marcelle Dubois was inducted a member for her work revitalizing Quebec playwriting.
Patrick Joseph Lahey, co-founder of Triton Submarines, was inducted as a member for his work as one of the world’s leading experts on submersibles and a leading voice for safe practices in the deep-diving industry, Rideau Hall said.
