The Order of Canada (Ordre du Canada in French) is a Canadian national order and the second highest honor for merit after the Order of Merit. This award is considered the centerpiece of Canada’s honor system and is designed to exemplify the highest qualities that can enrich the lives of citizens and contemporaries.
The three-tiered order was established in 1967 to coincide with the centennial of the Canadian Confederation, and the first members were appointed 1 July 1967. The award was designed to recognize the outstanding merit or distinguished service of Canadians who make a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in every field of endeavor, as well as the efforts by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions – or those who exemplify the order’s motto, “desiderantes meliorem patriam” (“They desire a better country“, a phrase taken from Hebrews 11:16).
The sovereign of the order is the reigning Canadian monarch. The Governor General administers the order on their behalf as Chancellor and Principal Companion. Thousands of people have been appointed to the Order of Canada, including scientists, musicians, politicians, artists, athletes, business people, film stars, and benefactors.
The Order of Canada Levels
The Order of Canada has three levels: Companion, Officer, and Member.
- Companion: Awarded for outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree. There can be a maximum of 15 Companions appointed each year (for a total of 150).
- Officer: Awarded for the achievement of merit of a high degree, particularly in service to Canada or humanity as a whole. There can be a maximum of 46 Officers appointed each year.
- Member: Awarded for distinguished service in or to a specific activity, field, locality, or group. There can be a maximum of 92 members appointed each year.
The Order of Canada Design
The badge of the Order is a stylized snowflake with six points and a red annulus at its center. The design of this insignia dates from 1967 and is credited to Bruce Beatty, C.M., S.O.M., C.D.
On the obverse is a stylized maple leaf struck in fine silver, circumscribed with the motto of the Order, “Desiderantes meliorem patriam” (“They desire a better country”), surmounted by the Royal Crown (St. Edward’s Crown). The insignia is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, the annulus, and the maple leaf. The color is added to the badge by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent viscous enamel. The reverse of the Order of Canada reads CANADA written within a circle as well as a serial number placed in a box below.
The ribbon of the Order of Canada is white, 38 mm wide, and has red edges (9 mm). If undressed, a maple leaf of red, gold, or silver is worn on the ribbon. There is also a miniature for wearing in evening dress.
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