OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney's office wouldn't weigh in on a push by the federal Conservatives to award the Order of Canada to controversial hockey commentator Don Cherry.
Audrey Champoux, a spokesperson for Carney, declined to say whether the prime minister felt that Cherry had met the requirements for the accolade, which is awarded in recognition of exceptional achievements, extraordinary contributions to the nation, or remarkable dedication to a community.
Champoux noted those were the criteria for awarding the country’s highest honorary distinction, but referred questions to the federal Heritage Department.
Conservative MP Andrew Lawton is gathering signatures on an online petition on party's website.
Some Quebec federal Conservatives are opposed to the party's push due to Cherry's comments about Quebec and francophones. But others, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have said they support the petition.
McGill University political science professor Daniel Béland said the reaction reveals the full extent of the political risk involved.
“When we talk about the two solitudes, we have a perfect example here,” Béland said, noting how Cherry is perceived in Quebec compared to elsewhere in Canada.
If Carney is pressed on the matter in the coming days, it could be complicated to strike the right tone.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet seized on that very theme Saturday.
"If he's for it, Mr. Carney pays the price in Quebec. If he's against it, he pays in Canada," Blanchet wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith urged Carney to support Don Cherry’s nomination in a social media post on Saturday.
"This shouldn’t even be up for debate," Smith wrote.
"Don Cherry is a Canadian icon, a hockey legend and is loved by Albertans. He’s not just one of the greats, his word and opinion about our national sport is still treated as hockey gospel by millions of Canadians."
As for the Conservatives, Béland said he is not surprised that Poilievre’s enthusiastic support has provoked an outcry.
“It doesn’t help their cause in Quebec," said Béland, director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada.
Cherry, now 92, was a popular commentator on the "Coach's Corner" segment on "Hockey Night in Canada" for nearly four decades, known for his flamboyant suits and controversial takes.
In 2004, he was publicly reprimanded by the CBC and subject to a seven-second tape delay for saying only "Europeans and French guys" wore visors. In 2013, he was criticized for saying that female reporters should not be allowed in NHL dressing rooms.
Cherry was fired in 2019 for calling immigrants "you people" and suggesting that not enough new Canadians honour the country's fallen soldiers by wearing a poppy.
The CBC said in a social media post announcing Cherry's departure that the remarks were "divisive, discriminatory and offensive."
Cherry stood by the remarks at the time, telling The Canadian Press he was not singling out visible minorities.
The Conservative petition said Cherry's "candid and unapologetic style reflects a spirit of authenticity and independence that resonated with millions of Canadians."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2026.