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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 extend 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.

Coming soon:

40th anniversary exhibit On June 7, 2007, the Governor General will participate in the official opening of the exhibit “The Order of Canada: They Desire a Better Country.” The exhibit will be held at Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa to mark the 40th anniversary of the Order and will be open to the public for approximately one year.

For the latest information on the Order of Canada, please read the Newsletter:

Background

The Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada’s honour 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).

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.

LEVEL	Edging	Annulus Lettering	Maple Leaf Centre
Companion	gold	gold	red
Officer	gold	gold	gold
Member	silver	silver	silver

Maximum number of appointments per year, according to level

LEVEL	Appointments per Year
Companion	15*
Officer	64
Member	136
Non-Canadian (Honorary)	5
Total	220

*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