Does Don Cherry Deserve the Order of Canada?

Few figures in Canadian broadcasting spark debate like Don Cherry. Now, a push to see the former Coach’s Corner star appointed to the Order of Canada—championed by voices in the Conservative Party of Canada, including MP Andrew Lawton and backed by Alberta premier Danielle Smith—is reigniting old arguments about one of the country’s most polarizing personalities. Cherry is celebrated by supporters as a hockey icon and outspoken patriot, but critics point to years of controversial comments about immigrants, Indigenous people, and women in sports media—controversies that ultimately ended his run on Hockey Night in Canada. The proposal is already drawing criticism, including from Conservatives in Quebec, setting up a national debate: should a cultural lightning rod like Cherry receive one of Canada’s highest honours? We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi (3:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

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49:30 | Did you hear Manitoba premier Wab Kinew's comments about the war in Iran and the Epstein files? We get Supriya's take on it before covering MP Lori Idlout crossing the floor from the NDP to the Liberals (53:20), Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein poking fun at former Alberta cabinet minister Shannon Phillips (59:30), and Edmonton police chief Warren Driechel's controversial trip to Israel (1:05:00). 

1:18:30 | Real Talkers chime in on Don Cherry's legacy in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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1:28:00 | We love stories like this! Real Talker Aubrie shares about Edson's Abilities Hockey Program in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.