TORONTO — When Nardwuar rhymes off a list of fellow members of the Order of Canada, he includes baseball player Fergie Jenkins, filmmaker Guy Maddin and singer Avril Lavigne – twice.
It’s not surprising that the Tartan-clad celebrity interviewer seems to hold the Canadian pop princess in particular esteem, since he’s yet to interrogate her in one of his colourful and unpredictable viral video chats.
“I am now beside those people, I cannot believe it,” he exclaimed during a recent video call.
“I’m humbled that people thought I was worthy, I was nominated, and the committee actually allowed me to be a member of the Order of Canada.”
In true Nardwuar style, he draws out saying “Order of Canada” as if he’s naming a mystical creature, widening his eyes in wonder.
The Vancouver personality, born John Ruskin, is among 80 appointees announced on Wednesday, including children’s singer Raffi, country musician Terri Clark, and a list of Supreme Court justices, scientists, authors and athletes.
Unlike most of them, the 57-year-old will be inducted under his stage name, “Nardwuar, the Human Serviette,” a rare exception for one of Canada’s highest honours that meets the spirit of his off-the-wall personality.
Nashville country star Clark will be recognized as a trailblazer of the genre, with accomplishments that include being the first Canadian female inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
“Baby Beluga” and “Bananaphone” singer-songwriter Raffi Cavoukian is being promoted to companion. He was first invested as a member of the Order in 1983.
Former Supreme Court Justices Rosalie Silberman Abella and Michael Moldaver will both be appointed as companions of the Order of Canada — the highest designation in the Canadian Honours System.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 31, 2025.
David Friend, The Canadian Press
