Overview
- Rideau Hall announced 61 new appointments and promotions to the Order of Canada on Friday, June 26, 2026, and elevated Michael J. Fox from officer to companion.
- The citation credited Fox’s public honesty about Parkinson’s and his Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised about $2.5 billion for research since 2000.
- The slate was selected by former governor general Mary Simon on April 17 and publicly announced by new governor general Louise Arbour, with investiture ceremonies to be scheduled.
- Other notable honourees include soccer legend Christine Sinclair, also promoted to companion, and former Canadiens star Yvan Cournoyer, named an officer, reflecting recognition across sport, arts and Indigenous and Black community leaders.
- The Order of Canada has three grades and a cap on living companions, so promotions signal sustained national contribution and add to the nearly 8,800 people who have been appointed or promoted since 1967.