Federal Conservatives in Quebec are reportedly growing increasingly sour on their party’s recent push to nominate controversial hockey commentator Don Cherry for the Order of Canada. This internal opposition highlights a nuanced and perhaps divisive sentiment within the party regarding the former coach’s public persona and the appropriateness of bestowing such a significant national honour.
The controversy stems from the federal Conservative party’s efforts to rally support for Cherry’s nomination. While the exact details of the petition’s circulation are not fully public, reports indicate that some within the Quebec wing of the party are finding the initiative problematic. Their reservations appear to be rooted in Cherry’s history of public statements, which have, at times, been perceived as divisive and detrimental to national unity.
Internal Discontent Surfaces
Sources close to the situation suggest that the push for Cherry’s nomination has not been met with universal enthusiasm within the federal Conservative caucus, particularly among Quebec MPs. The core of the discontent seems to centre on the potential backlash and the message such an honour might send, especially to a province that has historically experienced its own share of national unity debates. Awarding the Order of Canada to a figure who has, in the past, generated considerable public debate and criticism could be seen as alienating for some.
The Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the nation. The nomination process is rigorous, involving recommendations and endorsements. The fact that the federal Conservative party itself is actively championing this nomination indicates a belief among some party leadership that Cherry’s contributions warrant such recognition. However, this belief is clearly not shared by all within the party’s ranks.
Broader Implications for National Unity
The debate around Don Cherry’s potential nomination touches upon larger questions about public figures, national dialogue, and the criteria for receiving national honours. Cherry, a household name in Canadian hockey for decades, has been both celebrated for his passionate commentary and criticized for his outspoken views. His departure from Hockey Night in Canada following remarks about poppies and immigrants in 2019 remains a significant point of contention for many.
For those within the Quebec Conservative ranks who are reportedly souring on the nomination, the risk of alienating segments of the population, or even undermining the very notion of national unity the Order of Canada is meant to celebrate, may outweigh any perceived benefits of honouring Cherry. It is a complex issue that forces a conversation about whether past controversies should preclude individuals from receiving national accolades, and how such decisions are perceived across different regions and demographics of Canada. The internal friction suggests that on this particular issue, the party’s unified front may be showing some cracks.
