Christine Sinclair, Michael J. Fox promoted to Order of Canada's highest level

Soccer legend Christine Sinclair and famed actor Michael J. Fox have been promoted to companions of the Order of Canada, the highest level within the order.

Recently appointed Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour on Friday added 56 new Canadians to what is considered the country's highest civilian honour.

"These appointees, from diverse backgrounds and fields, reflect the talent and determination that shape Canada's future. At a time of profound global change, their achievements highlight the strength of Canadians and the values we represent to the world," Arbour said in a statement.

The Order of Canada is meant to recognize people who make "extraordinary contributions to the nation," according to the Governor General of Canada website.

One of Canada's most acclaimed athletes, Sinclair is the country's most successful soccer player. She won Olympic gold in 2020, adding to two bronze medals she won with Canada in 2012 and 2016.

Celebration for Christine Sinclair's international goal-scoring record

With nearly 190 goals, Sinclair is the highest-scoring soccer player in the world when it comes to international competition.

Fox joins Sinclair as a companion of the Order of Canada as one of the country's most recognized actors in the world.

Best known for starring in the Back to the Future movie trilogy and television series Family Ties, Fox is also a vocal advocate in raising awareness for people living with Parkinson's disease. The actor went public with news he had Parkinson's in 1998 and is a co-founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

More than 50 Canadians have also been newly appointed officers or members of the Order of Canada.

Among the new officers is former Montreal Canadiens great Yvan Cournoyer. 

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