LOS ANGELES — Hollywood
star Ryan Reynolds says he is “proud” to be 'part of the ever-evolving Canadian
story'after he was feted with the Order
of Canada honour.
The 48-year-old actor was included in the list of 88 new
appointees to the Order of Canada on December 19. He said he “couldn’t be more
emotional and proud.”
“Today I received the incredible honour of appointment to
the Order of Canada. I couldn’t be more emotional and proud of this moment. I’m
so grateful to be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian story,” he said.
Reynolds, a native of Vancouver, went on to thank his “third
parent,” the communities across Canada who “supported and shaped me.”
“As well as all the people across Canada who do the work of
helping people each and every day without recognition or pats on the back,”
Reynolds continued. “I’m asking the Governor General if I can break my
officer’s medal into thousands of little pieces to share.”
The star also thanked the Canadian government for the honour
on X, formerly called Twitter, adding that he promises to “use my powers for
good… and general whimsy,” reports people.com.
In addition to his work on screen, the Canadian government
also recognised his support of Canadian causes, including Water First
Education, Covenant House Vancouver and Sick Kids Foundation.
The Order of Canada is the country’s highest citizenship
distinction and is presented to people who “make extraordinary contributions to
the nation.”
Reynolds previously received the Order of British Columbia
and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s humanitarian award last
year.
Although Reynolds loves his native country, the New York
City resident recently told The Hollywood Reporter he was not planning to move
back. He lives in the Big Apple with his wife Blake Lively and their four
children, daughters James, Inez, and Betty, and son Olin, 1.
“I’ve always been proud of being Canadian. I feel like
Canada’s one of my parents. It taught me some core values that have come in
handy weekly, if not daily, since I left home when I was 18 or 19 years
old," he said.
