Don Cherry

The Conservative campaign to have Cherry appointed to the Order of Canada faced opposition even from Quebec Conservative MPs, who cited his past remarks about Quebecers and French speakers.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Cherry criticised the Carolina Hurricanes' post-match celebrations and called the team a "bunch of jerks". The club appropriated the insult as a slogan and merchandise branding, turning the incident into a highly visible media feud.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Cherry reproached newcomers for enjoying the Canadian way of life without buying poppies to honour veterans. The remarks triggered widespread public and institutional condemnation; Sportsnet ended his involvement in Coach's Corner two days later.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Cherry cited cold winter weather to question global warming and called those who believed in it "cuckaloos". Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna publicly pointed out that climate is a matter of science rather than a single weather event.

Attribution

Personally implicated

During the CHL Top Prospects Game, Cherry stated that he did not want European players in the Canadian Hockey League because they were taking places away from young Canadians.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Cherry asked on Twitter whether Canada was "nuts" to send nearly 49,5 M$ in aid to Haiti while Canadian services lacked resources. The messages sparked a national debate on foreign aid.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Responding to a controversy involving a female journalist, Cherry said he did not believe women should be admitted to men's NHL changing rooms. His remarks were denounced as sexist and fuelled debate over journalists' equal access.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

Cherry called former enforcers Stu Grimson, Chris Nilan and Jim Thomson "pukes", "turncoats" and "hypocrites", and incorrectly attributed certain positions to them. The three considered legal action; Cherry subsequently admitted his mistakes and publicly apologised.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

Invited to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's inauguration, Cherry attacked "left-wing pinkos", cyclists and the left-wing press. Approximately 200 complaints were sent to the mayor's office, and several councillors publicly protested.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

Following Chris Simon's suspension, Cherry suggested that the player had received favourable treatment and linked it to his Indigenous identity, a statement widely reported as a controversy involving First Nations.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

Cherry claimed that players wearing visors were mainly Europeans and French Canadians and associated them with more high-sticking offences. The remarks prompted an investigation by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, and CBC introduced a seven-second delay for his segments.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Cherry used Coach's Corner to defend the United States and criticise Canada's lack of support during the Iraq War, turning a hockey segment into a political debate and prompting complaints and criticism.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

During the Nagano Games, Cherry attacked French-speaking demands, called Quebecers whiners and disparaged flag-bearer Jean-Luc Brassard. The Quebec Press Council concluded that he had made confused and insulting remarks and had misstated the facts, then issued a reprimand.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

When Eric Lindros refused to join the Quebec Nordiques, Cherry linked the situation to language and English-speaking institutions in Quebec, arguing in essence that a young Ontarian might be afraid to play there. The remarks reinforced his reputation as a commentator hostile to French-speaking Quebec.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

During a discussion of European players and Darius Kasparaitis as an exception in his view, Cherry used a comparison suggesting that there were "good guys" even among Nazis. The remark remained widely cited as an example of his most controversial statements.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated