Quebec Tories sour on Grapes as caucus members support Don Cherry for Order of Canada

OTTAWA — Opposition is mounting among Quebec’s federal Conservatives to their own party’s push to award the Order of Canada to controversial hockey commentator Don Cherry.

In a social media post late Thursday, the party’s Quebec lieutenant Pierre Paul-Hus said he believes appointing Cherry would be “a bad idea” given his “unacceptable remarks toward the Quebec nation and francophones.”

The Order of Canada is awarded in recognition of exceptional achievements, extraordinary contributions to the nation or remarkable dedication to a community.

Conservative MP Andrew Lawton is behind the nomination and has been pushing for signatures on an online petition hosted on the party’s website.

“For decades, Don Cherry has celebrated hockey, honoured veterans, and said what millions think — without apology,” Lawton said in a social media post last week.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who was among a number of Conservatives to support the petition, said on social media that Cherry “embodies what it means to be a proud Canadian.”

The 92-year-old was a mainstay on the popular “Coach’s Corner” segment on “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasts for nearly four decades, where he was known for his outlandish suits. His commentary outside of hockey was at times controversial.

Cherry often mangled the names of foreign-born and francophone players on his broadcasts. In 2004, he was publicly reprimanded by the CBC and subjected to a seven-second tape delay when he said only “Europeans and French guys” wore visors.

In 2013, he faced backlash for saying female reporters should not be allowed in NHL dressing rooms.

He was fired in November 2019 for calling immigrants “you people” and suggesting that not enough new Canadians honour the country’s fallen soldiers by wearing poppies.

In a social media post announcing his departure from “Hockey Night in Canada,” CBC said his remarks were “divisive, discriminatory and offensive.”

Cherry stood by his 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.”

On Friday, Ontario MP Jamil Jivani posted on social media that he had signed the petition, as did Alberta MP Billy Morin.

Poilievre did not address the controversy Friday during a press briefing in Windsor, Ont. At the time of publication, his office had not responded to questions about whether he still supports the candidacy and whether the petition will remain online.

Paul-Hus sought to defend the party’s Order of Canada push earlier on Friday. While attempting to “find the positive” in Cherry’s nomination, Paul-Hus cited his unwavering support for veterans and the fact that he had mentioned on air the death of a young Quebec hockey player in an arena.

Other Quebec Conservatives have expressed their disagreement with the proposed nomination.

MP Luc Berthold said if Cherry were to be awarded the Order of Canada, it would “irreparably discredit” all previous recipients.

“Many Quebecers who have accomplished extraordinary things, particularly in the regions, deserve this honour far more than this commentator,” he said in a social media post in French.

“And their successes are not the result of controversial remarks. Popularity is not a criterion when it comes to honouring Canadians for their achievements.”

Richard Martel, a Conservative MP and a former hockey coach, said the Order of Canada committee must base its decision “on (Cherry’s) achievements in the field of sports.”

“Whether you like Don Cherry or not, back in the day, all hockey fans would rush to their TVs on Saturday nights to watch Coach’s Corner,” he recalled.

On Thursday, his colleague Gabriel Hardy praised the great things Cherry has done. “We like Don,” he said, before describing his past comments about francophones as “mistakes.”

Conservative MP Gérard Deltell said Friday that Cherry has made “unacceptable and contemptuous” remarks toward “francophones, among others.”

Caucus colleague Éric Lefebvre insisted the country’s highest civilian honour should be awarded to people who embody the values of inclusion, respect, and unity that define Canada, and that awarding it to Cherry would send “the opposite message.”

“Canada is a country founded on diversity, mutual respect, and the recognition of its two official languages,” he said.

“Mr. Cherry’s repeated remarks have often given the impression that some Canadians are less legitimate than others.”

On Thursday, as the controversy began to gain momentum, the Conservative spokesperson on official languages, Joël Godin, hinted that he was among the opponents.

“These are initiatives by members of Parliament,” he remarked, adding he has “serious doubts.”

A Quebec spokesperson for the NDP said the party “condemns” Cherry’s nomination and is calling on the Conservatives to withdraw their proposal.

“The Order of Canada was created to recognize the country’s finest citizens. Don Cherry’s comments about francophones, women, immigrants, and many others disqualify him from consideration,” wrote Charles Orme in an email in French.

Over the years, Cherry has been awarded several honorary medals and has been inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame. Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently visited him after it was announced he will receive the Order of Ontario.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 13, 2026.

— With files from Sarah Ritchie

Michel Saba, The Canadian Press