Michael J. Fox Promoted to Companion Level of Order of Canada

Michael J. Fox speaks at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi adventure film "Back to the Future," in Toronto, on Aug. 22, 2025. The Canadian Press/Sammy Kogan

Spectators stood and applauded Michael J. Fox at Rideau Hall Friday morning as Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour officially named the celebrated actor and Parkinson’s disease activist to the companion level of the Order of Canada.

Rideau Hall says 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 results in 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.

He was among 51 people to be inducted into, or promoted within, the Order of Canada on Friday.

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,” said in French.

“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.”

She said 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.

“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, is being inducted as an officer of the Order of Canada along with Nada Jabado, a professor at McGill University who is being honoured for her work in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz is being inducted an officer for helping to facilitate Canada’s international trade and promote its economic well-being.

Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy is being inducted as a member. Rideau Hall says she has created iconic life-size bronze pieced showcased across the world, and that her work explores themes of gender, heritage and nation-building.

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Susanne Craig is being 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.