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Michael J. Fox was promoted to companion of the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall on Friday. The actor and Parkinson's advocate was among 51 honorees.
Michael J. Fox was promoted to companion of the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday. The celebrated actor and Parkinson's disease activist was among 51 people inducted into or promoted within the Order of Canada.
Spectators stood and applauded Fox as Arbour officially named him to the companion level, the highest rank within the order. Rideau Hall said Fox was elevated to the companion level to honour his powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson's.
Parkinson's is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness and slowness and is linked to depression and memory problems. Fox went public with his diagnosis in 1998 and is a co-founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's Advocacy
Fox has raised funds for research into Parkinson's disease and has shared candid experiences about the challenges faced by those living with its symptoms. The actor is also a vocal advocate for raising awareness for people living with Parkinson's disease.
Arbour said each inductee had demonstrated excellence and thanked them for their work. She said in French that they could have used their talents solely to further their own success, but instead chose to use their skills, influence and energy to help others.
Arbour added that talent, as exceptional as it may be, is not sufficient on its own. It also takes the will to get involved and to take action to improve one's community and contribute to the common good.
She said their example reminds us of something very fundamental: sustainable progress requires that we move forward with courage, imagination and determination.
Academics, Artists Among Order of Canada Honourees
Yusuf Altintas, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia, was inducted as an officer of the Order of Canada. Nada Jabado, a professor at McGill University, was also inducted as an officer for her work in pediatric neuro-oncology.
Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz was inducted as an officer for helping facilitate Canada's international trade and promote its economic well-being. Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy was inducted as a member. Rideau Hall said she has created iconic life-size bronze pieces showcased around the world and that her work explores themes of gender, heritage and nation-building.
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Susanne Craig was inducted as a member for her work with The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Wall Street Journal. Rideau Hall described her as one of the most outstanding journalists of her generation, citing her coverage of contemporary issues in the United States.
Colin Roswell Clarke was inducted as a member for his work as founder and artistic director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra program. Marcelle Dubois was inducted as a member for her work revitalizing Quebec playwriting.
Patrick Joseph Lahey, co-founder of Triton Submarines, was inducted as a member for his work as one of the world's leading experts on submersibles and a leading voice for safe practices in the deep-diving industry, Rideau Hall said.
Order of Canada Recognizes Extraordinary Contributions
The Order of Canada is meant to recognize people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation, according to the Governor General of Canada website. The order has three levels: companion, officer and member.
The investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall honoured individuals from various fields, including academia, arts, journalism and business. Rideau Hall highlighted the diverse contributions of the inductees.
Fox's promotion to companion places him among a select group of Canadians who have received the country's highest civilian honour. His work in Parkinson's advocacy has had a global impact.
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