The Order of Canada

Orders

Orders recognize significant achievements and remarkable service. 

The Order of Canada

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 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)

The Companion of the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

Officer (O.C.)

The Officer of the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

Member (C.M.)

The Member of the Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity

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

*not to exceed 165 living Companions at any given time