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Michael J. Fox was officially named to the companion level of the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall, one of 51 people inducted or promoted on Friday.
OTTAWA -- Spectators stood and applauded Michael J. Fox at Rideau Hall on Friday as Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour officially named the celebrated actor and Parkinson's disease activist to the companion level of the Order of Canada.
Fox Honoured for Parkinson's Advocacy
Rideau Hall says Fox was elevated to the companion level to honour his powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson's. He was among 51 people inducted into, or promoted within, the Order of Canada on Friday. Parkinson's is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness and slowness, and is linked to depression and memory problems.
Fox, who went public with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998, has raised $2.5 billion for research into the disease and has shared candid experiences about the challenges faced by those living with its symptoms. Fox had already been a member of the Order of Canada before receiving the promotion. He also spoke at an event in Toronto on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi adventure film Back to the Future.
A Canadian Press photo of that appearance was taken by Sammy Kogan. Arbour said each inductee has demonstrated excellence and thanked them for their work. You could have used your talents solely to further your own success. Instead, you have chosen to use your skills, influence and energy to help others, she said in French.
Arbour Celebrates Public Service
Because 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, Arbour said. She added that Fox is a shining example of this. Your example reminds us of something that's very fundamental: sustainable progress requires that we move forward with courage, imagination and determination, she said.
After all, back to the future has always been a much better idea than forward to the past. 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 to facilitate Canada's international trade and promote its economic well-being. Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy was inducted as a member for her work as an artist. Rideau Hall said Abernethy has created iconic life-size bronze pieces showcased across the world. Her work explores themes of gender roles, heritage crafts and nation building.
Order of Canada Recognizes Achievement
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 said her work has positioned her as one of the most outstanding journalists of her generation, including for 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 on revitalizing Quebec playwriting. Patrick Joseph Lahey, co-founder of Triton Submarines, was inducted as a member for being one of the world's leading experts on submersibles and a leading voice for safe practices in the deep diving industry, Rideau Hall said. The ceremony came as the Order of Canada recognizes individuals for outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
The promotions and inductions covered a range of fields, from engineering and medicine to economics, art and journalism.
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CP24:Michael J. Fox promoted to companion level of Order of CanadaThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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