Honours

Order of Canada

Background

The Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada’s Honours System and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country).

• Eligibility and Nominations
• The Constitution of the Order of Canada

Levels

Companion Post-nominal: C.C. Recognizes: a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large
Officer Post-nominal: O.C. Recognizes: a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large
Member Post-nominal: C.M. Recognizes: a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity

Wearing: as prescribed in the protocol for Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals (http://www.gg.ca/honours/pdf/wearing_e.pdf)

Description

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown.

Maximum number of appointments per year, according to level

*not to exceed 165 living Companions at any given time

Quick Facts

Sovereign of the Order: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Chancellor and Principal Companion: Governor General
Established: July 1, 1967

Search: Order of Canada Membership List