Winnipeggers divided on Order of Canada petition for Don Cherry

While the federal Conservatives are pushing to have Don Cherry inducted into the Order of Canada, Winnipeggers are divided on whether the former legendary hockey player, coach and broadcaster deserves Canada’s highest civilian honour.

The federal Conservatives have launched a petition to nominate Cherry, one of the most polarizing figures in Canadian hockey history.

“There’s not many names that ring, like household names like him,” said one Winnipegger.

Kristian Shortridge said she supported Cherry for the award.

“Given his history, given the long the long time of being in the public eye, service to the country in a pretty cool cultural way, I think it totally makes sense,” Shortridge said.

 “I’m definitely a believer in second chances. Everyone’s got an unpopular opinion or two and he didn’t handle it well and I hope he continues to think about all that stuff, but yeah get him in there,” Shortridge added.

 The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Amanda Burton said she enjoyed watching the broadcaster growing up.

“I enjoyed him as much as everyone,” Burton said. “I just think there are more important things to worry about in Canada right now.”

“I always remember hockey night in Canada, watching on Saturday with my father, always excited for coaches’ corner, always excited for what he had to say about the game. Especially coming from a former player of course, playing for the Boston Bruins. It’s a shame what happened to him, but that’s what happens sometimes,” said Caleb Neufeld.

Cherry’s career as a broadcaster ended abruptly in November of 2019 after making offensive comments during a televised broadcast.

Winnipegger Farrah Houle said she won’t support honouring Cherry.

“I wouldn’t vote him in for Order of Canada if he’s that racist because as a multicultural place in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in Canada, I don’t agree with it,” Houle said.

Charles Manty said while Cherry could have been “more refined” in his language, he was glad he spoke his mind.

“What’s most important is that he did deliver the message, even though he was terribly rough around the edges and offended people,” Manty said.  

“If he had to be one extreme or the other, pleasing people and not speaking his mind or offending people and speaking his mind, I’m glad that he did speak his mind,” Manty added.

While most Canadians remember Cherry for his flashy suits and colourful personality, some remember him differently.

Sunshine Cherevko said, “I remember him saying the words ‘you people’ in one of the games he was hosting on, it did not give me any impact personally.”

In January, Ontario Premier Doug Ford honoured Cherry with the Order of Ontario. 

Earlier this week, he said that the 92-year-old should be inducted into the order of Canada.

But Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has other ideas.

“I’m going to alienate a lot of hockey night in Canada fans, but I go for George Stroumboulopoulos, that’s (who) I would go for,” Kinew said.

“I did grow up watching don cherry’s rock-em-sock-em hockey videos,” Kinew continued. “But I think my question would be what about Biz? Can we get Viz from spitting chicklets on the Order of Canada? Or is that too soon”

The next Order of Canada appointees will be announced on Canada Day.