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Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada

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The Queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, is the fount of the Canadian honours system, pictured here wearing her insignias as Sovereign of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Military Merit

The Canadian honours system has developed as a unique entity since the centennial of Canadian Confederation in 1967 when the first distinctly Canadian honour, the Order of Canada was created. The system is modelled on the British honours system.

Each Canadian province and territory also issues their own orders and medals to honour their citizens for work performed in just their province. Most of these honours also grant the use of post-nominal letters and or supporters and other devices to be used on their coat of arms.

The Queen of Canada is the fount of all honours. She is represented by the Governor General of Canada who acts for the sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister. Queen Elizabeth II is Sovereign of the Royal Victorian Order; Sovereign of the Order of Canada; Sovereign of the Order of Military Merit; and Sovereign of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. Canadian national honours are governed by the Chancellery of Government House, part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.[1]

History

A medal awarded for participation in repelling the Fenian raids, presented by Queen Victoria in 1870.

Originally, Canadians were entitled to receive British imperial honours, though the awarding of these was not consistently allowed. Hereditary peerages and knighthoods were also conferred on Canadians, giving them titles such as Lord and Lady or Sir and Dame, including some distinctly Canadian titles, such as Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe (1891), which also included membership in the House of Lords. Peerages and knighthoods were recommended to the sovereign sometimes by the Canadian Prime Minister and sometimes by the British Prime Minister. This practice came into question when the public began to question the worthiness of those receiving honours from the Crown for political reasons; the controversy that surrounded the appointment of Sam Hughes as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1915. After it was revealed in 1917 that British Prime Minister Lloyd George had been selling peerages and knighthoods to raise money for his party, the awarding of such honours to Canadians immediately ceased.[2]

Following this, the Canadian House of Commons passed the Nickle Resolution in 1919, which, though never legally binding, generally ended the awarding of knighthoods and peerages to Canadians, though not awards for gallantry or bravery. However, knighthoods were still conferred, such as on Sir Frederick Banting in 1934, Sir Edwin Leather in 1964, and Sir Terry Matthews in 2002. Some Canadian peerages continue to be recognised; the Baron de Longueuil, or Baron of Fleet, for example, and still others were granted post 1919, by the Sovereign of Canada, such as the 1st Viscount Bennett of Mickleham, Hopewell, and Calgary (1941). As well, certain awards, which are personal gifts of the Sovereign, apart from any government recommendation, are still conferred on Canadians, such as the Royal Victorian Chain, which was awarded to Vincent Massey and Roland Michener, and the Royal Victorian Order, which Canadians may receive up to the level of Commander (any above that carries a title). This flexibility served the Canadian Government well after the end of the Second World War and Korean War, when certain people had to be honoured for their services and sacrifices. Between 1940 and 1946 non-titular honours were awarded; between 1950 and 1953 only military decorations were permitted.[2]

Further information: Canadian titles debate

After the two conflicts made the absence of Canadian honours more evident, the idea of a distinct Canadian honurs system was re-floated. Governor General Viscount Monk had originally pushed for a distinct Canadian order of knighthood in 1867,[3] to be called the Order of St. Lawrence, which was revived again by Vincent Massey in 1935 and 1951. The latter also suggested a Royal Order of Canada in 1940. The Cabinet, however, never accepted these proposals, wishing to steer clear of the controversial topic of honours and awards. The only move forward was the creation of the Canada Medal by King George VI in 1942, but none was ever struck.[2]

1967 was the centennary of Canadian Confederation, which provided the right opportunity and circumstances in which to establish a Canadian honours system, which began with the Order of Canada. This new system differed from the British in that nominees were put forward to the Governor General by an independent committee, which in turn received nominations from the public, creating a non-partisan process that avoided political controversy. The system has since expanded, mostly through the 1990s.[2]

Criticisms

Canada's system of honours generally attracts little criticism, however some experts in the field such as Christopher McCreery, Rafal Heydel-Mankoo, and Michael Jackson have pointed out what they see as deficiencies in the system. At the 2006 conference on Commonwealth Honours, the concern was raised that Canada does not have a way to recognize the nation's very best; the three grades of the Order of Canada being insufficient to do so. It was suggested that either two more levels be added to the Order of Canada, equivalent to knighthoods in British orders, or create a new single class but limited-membership order, similar to the Order of New Zealand.

Criticisms have also been leveled towards the order of precedence, wherein all three levels of the Order of Canada supersede the top levels of each of the other orders, which is contrary to international practice.[2]

Federal orders

Orders have a number of grades or classes to acknowledge different levels of achievement. Usually, the insignia for the top grades are worn on a neck ribbon by men, and on a pinned bow by women. Medals of the lower grades are worn suspended on ribbons attached to the left of the jacket of dress, those for women again usually on a bow. These insignia are presented to the recipient by either the monarch or Governor General. Orders are not awarded to individuals, instead one is appointed into membership in a society of honour, and can be promoted to higher grades within the group. The appointment to an order also entitles the appointee to post-nominal letters.[2]

Order of Canada

Main article: Order of Canada

The Order of Canada is Canada's highest civilian honour, awarded to those who adhere to the order's motto Desiderantes meliorem patriam meaning "desiring a better country." Created in 1967, it was established to recognize the lifetime contributions made by Canadians who made a major difference to Canada. The order also recognizes efforts made by non-Canadians who made the world better by their actions. Musicians, politicians, artists, TV stars and benefactors and many more have been accepted into the order. The Canadian monarch is Sovereign of the order and the serving Governor General of Canada is its Chancellor and Principal Companion. Since 1967, more than 5,000 people have been appointed to the Order of Canada. The order is comprised of three grades:

  • Companion (CC)
  • Officer (OC)
  • Member (CM)

Only 165 living Companions can be appointed at one time.

Order of Military Merit

Main article: Order of Military Merit (Canada)

The Order of Military Merit is an award issued by Canada to members of the Canadian Forces who have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty. Established in 1972, the award has three classes:

  • Commander (CMM) – fulfilling duties of great responsibility
  • Officer (OMM) – fulfilling duties of responsibility
  • Member (MMM) – exceptional service or performance of duty

The Queen is the Sovereign of the order and the Governor General is the Chancellor and Commander of the order.

Order of Merit of the Police Forces

Main article: Order of Merit of the Police Forces

The Order of Merit of the Police Forces is an award of Canada, established in October 2000. It is awarded for conspicuous merit and exceptional service by members of the various police forces in Canada. The order has three classes:

  • Companion (COM)
  • Officer (OOM)
  • Member (MOM)

The Canadian monarch is Sovereign of the order, while the Governor General serves as Chancellor and Commander. The Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is ex officio the Principal Companion of the order.

Royal Victorian Order

Main article: Royal Victorian Order

The Royal Victorian Order is an order of chivalry that was established by Queen Victoria on 21 April 1896. The order includes five classes, in order of seniority:

  • Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
  • Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO)
  • Commander (CVO)
  • Lieutenant (LVO)
  • Member (MVO)

Membership is conferred on those who performed personal service for the sovereign. The levels of Knight or Dame Grand Cross and Knight or Dame Commander, available in other Commonwealth Realms, are normally not awarded to Canadians due to the Canadian Cabinet's adherence to the Nickle Resolution's stipulation that Canadians will not receive awards which confer on them titles. Members of the Canadian Royal Family, however, as subjects of the Queen of Canada, can, and do, hold the levels of GCVO or K/DCVO. The order's day is June 20, the date of Queen Victoria's accession. The motto is "Victoria."

Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem

Main article: Venerable Order of Saint John

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem is a working order of charitably minded men and women whose philanthropy is expressed principally through its two foundations, the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John Ambulance. The order traces its origins to the Knights Hospitaller, of the Crusades, who served the Abbey of St. Mary's small hospital for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem in the 12th century. It has existed in Canada in some form for many years but was officially brought into the Canadian honours system in 1995. Membership is by invitation only and cannot be petitioned.

In Canada, the order has four grades:

  • Knight or Dame (KStJ or DStJ)
  • Commander (CStJ)
  • Officer (OStJ)
  • Serving Member (SMStJ)

The Governor General of Canada when entered into office is styled Dame/Knight Grand Cross of the Order and Prior and Chief Officer in Canada of St John of Jerusalem. Members of the Canadian Royal Family may also hold the level of Bailiffs or Dames Grand Cross, with the post-nominal letters GCStJ.

Other orders

Royal Victorian Chain

Main article: Royal Victorian Chain

The Royal Victorian Chain is an award, instituted in 1902 by King Edward VII, as a personal award of the monarch (i.e. not an award by the government). Although it is similar in appearance to the Royal Victorian Order, the two awards are unrelated. The Royal Victorian Chain does not confer upon its recipients any style or title - in fact, the chain is not even given a precedence within the Canadian honours system - but it represents a personal token of high distinction and esteem from the monarch.

Only two Canadians have thus far received the Chain: Vincent Massey and Roland Michener – both former Governors General.

Federal decorations

Decorations are awarded for gallantry, civilian bravery or meritous services. Decorations, similar to national orders, are conferred by the sovereign or viceroy, and are worn on the left side of the jacket or dress. Decorations also entitle the recipient to post-nominal letters.[2]

Military valour decorations

For all three military valour decorations, recipients must be a member of the Canadian Forces or a member of an allied armed force that is serving with or in conjunction with the Canadian Forces, on or after January 1, 1993. Military Valour Decorations can be awarded posthumously.

Victoria Cross

Main article: Victoria Cross (Canada)

The Victoria Cross (post-nominal letters VC) is the highest award for valour that can be awarded to members of the Canadian armed forces of any rank in any service, and allies serving under or with Canadian military command. Based on the British version of the VC, it is only awarded for extraordinary valour and devotion to duty while facing a hostile force. Since its creation in 1993, no one has been awarded the Canadian Victoria Cross. Until 1993, the British VC was awarded to 94 Canadians, none of whom are now living.

Star of Military Valour

Main article: Star of Military Valour

The Star of Military Valour (post-nominal letters SMV) is awarded to members of the Canadian Forces for their "distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy."

Medal of Military Valour

Main article: Medal of Military Valour

The Medal of Military Valour (post-nominal letters MMV) is awarded to members of the Canadian Forces for "an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy." A person must be recommended by the Military Valour Decoration Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of one person appointed by the Governor General, and five CF members appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff. Field commanders can also grant Military Valour Decorations, but they must first have the Governor General's approval.

Bravery decorations

Canadian Bravery Decorations can be awarded to any person who risked his or her life to save or protect another person; each may be awarded posthumously.

Cross of Valour

Main article: Cross of Valour (Canada)

The Cross of Valour (post-nominal letters CV) is the highest ranking of the Canadian Bravery Decorations. Currently, there are 20 recipients of the Cross of Valour. Before the introduction of the Cross of Valour, the Canadian Government recommended the awarding of the George Cross until 1972, when the Medal of Courage was first created in May of that year, as a part of the Order of Canada, but replaced with the Cross of Valour by July.

Star of Courage

Main article: Star of Courage (Canada)

The Star of Courage (post-nominal letters SC) is the second-highest ranking of Canadian Bravery Decorations, awarded "for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril."

Medal of Bravery

Main article: Medal of Bravery

The Medal of Bravery (post-nominal letters MB) is the third rank of the Canadian Bravery Decorations, awarded in recognition of "acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances." It is only awarded to people whose heroic actions involved Canadians or Canadian interests; however recipients need not be Canadian, and the incident need not have taken place in Canada.

Meritorious service decorations

Main article: Meritorious Service Decoration

The Meritous Service Decorations are divided into both military and civilian divisions, which each may be awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians, in two forms:

Meritorious Service Cross

The Meritous Service Cross (post-nominal letters MSC) recognizes performance to an outstandingly or rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada, in the case of the civil division, or to the Canadian Forces in the case of the military division.

Meritorious Service Medal

The Meritorious Service Medal (post-nominal letters MSM) recognizes highly professional conduct or conduct according to a very high, often innovative, standard in either the military or civilian division.

Federal medals

Medals are typically awarded to individuals for long service in organizations such as police forces, fire protection, or the military. They may also be given out for participation in certain military campaigns, or for anniversaries such as for Confederation or Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee. Unlike orders and decorations, someone who is awarded a medal does not receive post-nominal letters, save for the Canadian Forces Decoration. As medals are awarded more widely than orders or decorations, they are typically presented by higher ranking officials in the organization the recipient is a part of.[2]

Canadian Forces Decoration

Main article: Canadian Forces Decoration

The Canadian Forces Decoration (post-nominal letters CD) is given members of the Canadian Forces of all ranks who have completed twelve years of military service. By convention, it is also given to the Governor General of Canada upon his or her appointment as Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Despite its name, the Canadian Forces Decoration is a medal as opposed to a decoration.[2]

Campaign medals

  • Canadian Korea Medal
  • Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea
  • Gulf and Kuwait Medal
  • Somalia Medal
  • South-West Asia Service Medal
  • General Campaign Star and the General Service Medal

Special service medals

NATO medals

(in order of precedence)

  • NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia
  • NATO Medal for Kosovo
  • NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
  • NATO Article V Medal for "Eagle Assist"
  • NATO Article V Medal for "Active Endeavour"
  • NATO Non-Article V Medal for Operations in the Balkans

Commemorative medals

Exemplary service medals

  • Police Exemplary Service Medal
  • Corrections Exemplary Service Medal
  • Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal
  • Canadian Coast Guard Exemplary Service Medal
  • Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal
  • Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal

Long service and good conduct medals

  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
  • Service Medal of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
  • Commissionaire Long Service Medal

Other

Provinces and territories

Provincial and territorial orders

File:SmokeySmithin2002OBC.jpg
Ernest Alvia ("Smokey") Smith was the last living Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross. Seen here in his official portrait from the Order of British Columbia in 2002, he is wearing the Order of British Columbia around his neck and the Victoria Cross and the Order of Canada (miniature, on his jacket).

The various Provinces and territories of Canada have set up a system of awards to honour their citizens for actions or deeds that benefited their local community or province. Each province sets their own rules on eligibility and the award criteria and also how each medal is presented. Most of the orders allow for the recipient to wear their orders in public, and most grant the recipients the use of post-nominal letters in their names.

After the establishment of the Canadian honours system in 1967, the provinces, recognizing the Crown's distinct operation within each provincial jurisdiction, moved to establish their own honours after Ottawa declined to do so on their behalf. Ontario was the first province to establish an honour, being the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 1973, and the Police and Firefighter's Bravery Medals in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Alberta followed with the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1979. Quebec was the first province to establish a true order: l'Ordre national du Quebec in 1984. The Order of Ontario came in 1986, the Order of British Columbia in 1989, the Order of Prince Edward Island in 1997, the Order of Manitoba in 1999, and the Order of Nova Scotia, of New Brunswick, and of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001. However, the federal government did not recognize these honours and decorations, fearing duplications and citing the fact that the Queen had not authorized them. The provinces responded by stating that since provincial ministers did not constitutionally have the right to advise the sovereign directly, they would do so via legislation under the prerogative of the provincial crown. The federal government finally came to recognize provincial orders after a compromise was reached between Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn and Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Sylvia Fedoruk wherein provincial honours established by legislation or order-in-council would be ranked below all national honours, but above national decorations.[4]

In all provinces except Quebec the provincial honours are presented by the relevant Lieutenant Governor.[4]

The established orders are (in alphabetical order). Images of the medals and ribbon bars can be seen at List of Canadian provincial and territorial orders.:

Most provincial orders only have one grade, or level, which is membership. The only province that has a multi-level Order system is Quebec. Their order, the National Order of Quebec, has three grades: Grand Officer (GOQ), Officer (OQ) and Knight (CQ), with Grand officer being the highest grade.

The Canadian Forces has listed the following orders to be worn in the following manner: National Order of Quebec, Saskatchewan Order of Merit, Order of Ontario, Order of British Columbia, Alberta Order of Excellence, Order of Prince Edward Island, Order of Manitoba, Order of New Brunswick, Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the CF has stated that while this is the order of sequence on a ribbon bar, it is unlikely or even impossible that a member will receive a medal or an order from all Canadian provinces.[5]

Various people who have been awarded provincial orders have been presented with national decorations and orders, such as the Order of Canada. An example of this would be Gordon Lightfoot being awarded the Order of Ontario. Lightfoot is also a Companion of the Order of Canada.[6] Each province has a limit on how many can be awarded with their order per year. Ontario places no limit on the number that can be distributed (although it is usually around 25). Alberta is limited to 10 inductees each year.

An order for the Yukon Territory, the Yukon Territory Order of Polaris, has been rumored to be created.[7] Other than a ribbon bar present on a few medal related websites, no announcement has been made concerning this order. It is not listed on the medals and orders chart for members of the Canadian Forces.[5]

Provincial and territorial medals

Saskatchewan

Ontario

  • Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (OMC)
  • Ontario Medal for Police Bravery
  • Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery
  • Ontario Provincial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

British Columbia

  • British Columbia Fire Services Long Service and Bravery Medals

Alberta

Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Bravery Award
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Service Medal

Canadian titles

A number of distinctly Canadian titles have been granted by the sovereign. These include:

Order of precedence

Main article: Canadian order of precedence (decorations and medals)

See also

References

  1. ^ Department of National Defence: The Honours, Flags and Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces; p. 45
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jackson, Michael; Canadian Monarchist News: Honours of the Crown; Summer, 2007
  3. ^ Hubbard, R.H.; Rideau Hall; McGill-Queen’s University Press; Montreal and London; 1977; p. 9
  4. ^ a b Jackson, Michael; Canadian Monarchist News: Golden Jubilee and Provincial Crown; Winter/Spring, 2003
  5. ^ a b National Defence: Canadian Forces Honours and Awards Chart
  6. ^ Governor General of Canada: Gordon Lightfoot receives the Order of Canada; December 13, 2003
  7. ^ Medals of the World: Orders, Decorations and Medals of Canada: Ribbon Chart
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