Is Don Cherry’s influence on politics changing how we view Canada?

At age 77, Don Cherry is too old to be a Supreme Court judge or member of the Senate.

But that certainly didn't stop him from muscling his way into a new career as a political coach.

Cherry's voice appeared on robo-calls on behalf of Vaughan, Ont. MP Julian Fantino, a former police chief, who entered politics in a November by-election. The effort was followed by a now-infamous Toronto City Hall induction for Mayor Rob Ford last December when Cherry ranted against "left-wing pinkos" while dressed in a pink suit.

While the "Hockey Night In Canada" star was too busy with the Stanley Cup playoffs to make a cameo appearance in the recent federal election, his affect on the popularity of the Conservative government is not to be underestimated, according to a new study.

The analysis of "Coach's Corner" segments by University of Western Ontario academics John Nater and Robert Maciel concluded Cherry talked about the military almost as much as NHL players. A more aggressive strain of Canadian identity emerged as a result.

Yet, as reported by the Toronto Star's Susan Delacourt, the study also suggested women and multicultural communities may not relate to this brand of national pride.

"The study's authors wonder whether Cherry's view is less a bold new Canadianism than it is an older one," summarized Delacourt, "a relic of 'old-world British nationalism' with emphasis on fighting men and sports."

Naturally, the revelation of this report by the only daily newspaper to endorse an NDP government can only rouse Cherry supporters more than before.

With provincial elections scheduled for this fall in five different provinces, the man known as "Grapes" might be the most coveted campaigner for right-wing parties looking to form a government, no matter what colour of jacket he chooses to wear.

(CBC Photo)