Actor Michael J. Fox (L) is awarded the rank of Officer in the Order of Canada by Canada's Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, May 27, 2011.
Actor Michael J. Fox is now an officer of the Order of Canada.
The Edmonton-born actor and activist is among 43 people who received their medals from Governor-General David Johnston at a Rideau Hall ceremony.
Others include rock legend Robbie Robertson, hockey commentator Howie Meeker, Acadian filmmaker Phil Comeau, former cabinet minister Anne McLellan and Trudeau biographer Stephen Clarkson.
Mr. Fox was honoured for his efforts on behalf of those with Parkinson's disease, as well as his television and film work.
Mr. Fox, diagnosed with Parkinson's two decades ago, called the award a great honour.
He chuckled that he felt like an imposter when he glanced around at his fellow inductees.
"I don't begin for a second to put myself in the league of any of these people," he said. "When I listen to what they've done, that's Canadian to me. It's a seriousness and a sense of humour, it's a lot of contradictions."
He said Canada always makes him think "of vast spaces and tight communities."
"We think of ourselves huddled against the elements and helping each other. It's very moving to be part of it."
The Canadian Press