Celebrated actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox, expressed feelings of “pride” and “humility” upon being honored with a promotion within the Order of Canada on Friday. During the ceremony at Rideau Hall, spectators rose to their feet to applaud Fox as Governor General Louise Arbour officially bestowed upon him the companion level of the Order of Canada.
Rideau Hall elevated Fox to the companion level in recognition of his impactful global advocacy and unwavering honesty regarding Parkinson’s disease. Reflecting on the ceremony, Fox shared with The Canadian Press, “It’s a multitude of emotions. Primarily, it’s about my upbringing in Canada, my love for this country, its values, progress, and resilience in times of need.”
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative nervous system condition characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowness, often accompanied by depression and memory issues. Since publicly disclosing his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998, Fox has been actively raising funds for research and candidly sharing his experiences to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with the disease.
Expressing his admiration for Canada’s contributions to Parkinson’s research, Fox highlighted the country’s advancements in treatments like deep brain stimulation. He emphasized his deep connection to Canadian culture and values, attributing his unique identity at 65 years old to his Canadian upbringing.
Notably, Fox was among 51 individuals honored with inductions or promotions within the Order of Canada that day. Governor General Arbour commended each recipient for their excellence and dedication to serving others. She emphasized the importance of utilizing talents and influence to benefit the community, praising Fox as a shining example of such commitment.
Furthermore, the ceremony recognized other distinguished individuals, including mechanical engineering professor Yusuf Altintas and pediatric neuro-oncology expert Nada Jabado, who were both appointed as officers of the Order of Canada. The former Bank of Canada governor, Stephen Poloz, was also honored for his contributions to facilitating international trade and bolstering Canada’s economic prosperity.
Additionally, sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy was inducted as a member for her significant bronze sculptures that explore themes of gender, heritage, and nation-building. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susanne Craig was acknowledged for her outstanding work with prominent media outlets, while individuals like Colin Roswell Clarke and Marcelle Dubois were honored for their impactful contributions in the arts and culture sectors.
In conclusion, the Order of Canada ceremony celebrated individuals like Michael J. Fox for their remarkable achievements and dedication to making a positive impact on society, echoing the sentiment that progress requires courage, imagination, and determination, as exemplified by Fox’s illustrious career and advocacy efforts.