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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.
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“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.
