In light of his criminal convictions in the U.S., Conrad Black with the support of high-profile friends is appealing to the Advisory Council, asking the organization not to strip him of his prestigious Order of Canada, an honour bestowed upon him in 1990 for his work in business, philanthropy and in media.
Since its inception in 1967, the Order of Canada – the highest civilian honour awarded to its citizens recognizing outstanding achievements and lifelong contributions to Canada – has only successfully revoked membership four times out of the almost 6,000 awardees and counting.
Global News takes a look at four controversial figures who have been stripped of the honour.
David Ahenakew, received Order of Canada in 1978
Honour: The late politician and former First Nations national chief has served as a military officer in various countries including Germany, Egypt and Korea during the Korean War, and revolutionized First Nations education in his home province of Saskatchewan.
Controversy: In 2005, Ahenakew was convicted of promoting hatred against Jewish people following anti-Semitic remarks in 2002 stating Hitler tried to “clean up Europe.” The controversial comments made national headlines.
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Jewish groups called for the revokement of his honour, and Ahenakew was stripped of his order that same year. He was later acquitted in a second trial in 2009.
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Alan Eagleson, received Order of Canada in 1989
Honour: Eagleson wore many hats in his distinguished public life, from lawyer to sports agent, and politician. He became a household name after sitting at the helm of the National Hockey League Players’ Association, where he represented high-profile players like Darryl Sittler and several Maple Leaf players. He was a stalwart cheerleader for hockey, Canada’s national sport.
Controversy: In the mid-’90s, Eagleson was charged with multiple counts of fraud by both Canada and the U.S. After pleading guilty in 1998, he was sentenced to prison for 18 months, and soon after he became the first person ever to be stripped of the award.
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Steve Fonyo, received Order of Canada in 1985
Honour: Fonyo – a leg amputee at age 12 – raised millions of dollars in a cross-country marathon, following in the footsteps of another humanitarian and cancer activist Terry Fox. At 18, Fonyo became the youngest recipient of the prize.
Controversy: Due to several criminal convictions including weapons, assault and multiple impaired driving charges, Fonyo was stripped of his membership in late 2009.
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Tapishar (Sher) Singh, received Order of Canada in 2002
Honour: The former lawyer from Guelph, Ontario, considered a race-relations advocate, has been bridging communities with his public service work. In 1990, Singh challenged then Prime
Minister Brian Mulroney on his controversial Senate appointments, rising to prominence. He also transformed hiring practices as a commissioner of the police services board, giving more opportunities to women and ethnic minorities.
Controversy: In 2007, after Singh was disbarred from practicing law, reports of malpractice and misappropriating and mishandling funds surfaced. His membership was taken back in late 2008.
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