Honours

Order of Canada

Order of Canada 40^th anniversary

This year marks an important anniversary for the Order of Canada. Awarded for the first time in 1967, it has since become the centrepiece of our country’s system of honours. We are proud to celebrate 40 years of outstanding achievements and excellence in all sectors of society. I invite you to add to our family by helping us recognize other individuals who could be sources of inspiration, as you are. We are counting on the strength of your commitment and the wealth of your thoughts to move forward.

–– Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean

Order of Canada Hundredth Investiture Ceremony

• Press Release
• See the video on citizenvoices.gg.ca
  

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First investiture of the Order of Canada: The Right Honourable Roland Michener, former governor general and the first chancellor and principal companion of the Order, honours those who enhanced our country’s history and culture.

• Scenes from the first investiture of the Order of Canada

40^th anniversary exhibition:

On June 7, 2007, the Governor General participated in the official opening of the exhibit “The Order of Canada: They Desire a Better Country.” The exhibit is on display at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa to mark the 40^th anniversary of the Order, and will be open to the public until May 11, 2008.

For the latest information on the Order of Canada, please read the newsletter, the press release, the speech by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean or see the photos.

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