Order of Canada

The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada ) is a national order within the Canadian honours system. Established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, it recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. The order's motto is Desiderantes meliorem patriam, which translates to "They desire a better country."

History

The Order of Canada was created on July 1, 1967, during the Canadian Centennial celebrations, to recognize the contributions of Canadians from all walks of life. The order was established by Letters Patent signed by Queen Elizabeth II.

Structure

The Order of Canada is divided into three grades:

• Companion (CC)
• Officer (OC)
• Member (CM)

Insignia

The insignia of the Order of Canada is a stylized snowflake, a symbol of the Canadian winter. The badge is worn with a ribbon, which is white with red edges.

Eligibility and Appointment

The Order of Canada is open to both Canadian citizens and foreigners. Appointments are made by the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. The council reviews nominations and makes recommendations for appointments.

Notable Recipients

Many prominent Canadians have been appointed to the Order of Canada, including artists, scientists, politicians, and philanthropists. Some notable recipients include Terry Fox, Margaret Atwood, and Wayne Gretzky.

See Also

• Canadian honours system
• Governor General of Canada
• Order of Military Merit (Canada)
• Order of Merit of the Police Forces