Michael J. Fox received a standing ovation at Rideau Hall on Friday as his Order of Canada promotion became official. Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour named the actor and Parkinson’s disease activist to the companion level.

Rideau Hall cited Fox’s “powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s.” The recognition focused on his work supporting research and sharing experiences of living with the disease.

Michael J. Fox Honored For Parkinson’s Advocacy

Fox publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998. He has raised $2.5 billion for research into the disease, according to the Canadian Press report published by Global News.

Michael J. Fox wearing glasses at a separate appearance
Michael J. Fox wearing glasses at a separate appearance.

The actor has also spoken candidly about the challenges people face while living with Parkinson’s symptoms. That openness formed part of Rideau Hall’s explanation for elevating him within the Order of Canada.

Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness and slowness. The disorder is also linked to depression and memory problems.

Fox was among 51 people inducted into, or promoted within, the Order of Canada on Friday. Arbour thanked the recipients for their work and said each had demonstrated excellence.

Arbour Praises Service Beyond Personal Success

Speaking in French, Arbour described the recipients’ choices to use their abilities for others. Her remarks connected their achievements with an obligation to contribute to their communities.

“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,” Arbour said.

Arbour said exceptional talent alone was insufficient. She also emphasized the willingness to become involved and act for the common good.

“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 called Fox a “shining example of this.” She then addressed the qualities she associated with sustainable progress.

“Your example reminds us of something that’s very fundamental: sustainable progress requires that we move forward with courage, imagination and determination,” she said.

Her remarks included a reference to Back to the Future. “After all, back to the future has always been a much better idea than forward to the past.”

A Ceremony Recognizing Work Across Professions

The ceremony also recognized research, journalism and the arts. University of British Columbia mechanical engineering professor Yusuf Altintas was inducted as an officer.

McGill University professor Nada Jabado received officer recognition for work in pediatric neuro-oncology. Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz was inducted as an officer for supporting international trade and economic well-being.

Investigative reporter Susanne Craig was inducted as a member for work with The New York Times, The Globe and Mail and The Wall Street Journal. These honors accompanied Fox’s promotion at the same ceremony.

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For Michael J. Fox, the companion-level recognition specifically honors global advocacy and candor about Parkinson’s. Rideau Hall’s citation places that work at the center of his promotion.