If you’re a hockey enthusiast, you will now remember Remembrance Day 2019 as the day Don Cherry got fired.
Mr. Cherry is a popular media personality known for his ice hockey commentary, flamboyant suits, and a history of controversial statements. The 85-year-old is a former NHL coach and was co-host of Coach’s Corner.
During a segment on Nov. 9, Cherry had taken an opportunity to remind Canadians why they should buy a poppy and turned it into a divisive attack on immigrants. He chose to use his platform to single out new immigrants in Toronto and Mississauga, Ont., for not wearing a poppy to honour the nation’s veterans and fallen soldiers.
Looking into the camera and literally pointing a finger, he said: “You people love . . . our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you could pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that . . . these guys pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”
And, well . . . following the remarks, Sportsnet axed Cherry. He obviously apologized a few days after making the comment, saying he meant “everyone.” And, his apology may have meant something if he didn't already have a long line of offensive comments spanning over his three-decade run.
He isn't a racist. Cherry is a passionate Canadian with a brash opinion.
Firing Cherry is a teaching moment for the rest of us. The incident should remind us of the weight of our words and to choose them wisely. And, how the things that were once easily digested are no longer tolerated.
Although I don’t agree with Cherry’s statement, I agree with the man. All Canadians should, at least for a day, take a moment to remember our past, present and future heroes.
Nonetheless, how does Cherry know fewer poppies were worn this year? And, that immigrants aren’t wearing them? And, if he noticed that people were not wearing them, why couldn't he have offered them to people?
Instead of attacking people, on something that wasn’t factually correct, he could have used his platform to address something more important on Remembrance Day.
Evidently, Cherry loves and respects veterans. So, instead of going on his rant about individuals not wearing a poppy, he could have acknowledged the several vets who remain homeless and suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues.
Last year, more than 25,000 people across 61 communities experienced homelessness in Canada, with 4.4 per cent identifying as veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and 0.3 per cent as veterans of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to a 2018 Everyone Counts report.
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