The Order of Canada was set up in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, to reward service to Canada.
| Order of Canada | |
|---|---|
Awarded by the.svg){kind=small} King of Canada | |
| Type | National order |
| Motto | Desiderantes meliorem patriam |
| Eligibility | All living Canadians, except federal and provincial politicians and judges while holding office. |
| Awarded for | The highest degree of merit, an outstanding level of talent and service, or an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity. |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | Elizabeth II |
| Chancellor | David Lloyd Johnston |
| Grades (w/ post-nominals) | Companion (CC) Officer (OC) Member (CM) |
| Former grades | Medal of Service Medal of Courage |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 17 April 1967 |
| First induction | 1 July 1967 |
| Total inductees | 5,604 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Member of the Order of Merit |
| Next (lower) | Commander of the Order of Military Merit |
It is at the top of Canada’s honours system. It has three classes or ranks to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.
Only Canadian citizens can have the award, but every year up to five foreigners can be given an honorary award.
The Order of Canada’s motto is Latin: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (English: They desire a better country).
Companion (CC)
Given to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.
Officer (OC)
For a lifetime of achievement and merit of a high degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.
Member (C.M.)
A Member of the Order of Canada has a lifetime of distinguished service in or to a particular community, group or field of activity
Appointments to the order are usually announced twice a year, at the end of December (the New Year's Honours List) and at the end of June to mark Canada Day. This is the same system as in the United Kingdom, except the Queen's Official Birthday at the beginning of June is marked instead.
Only a certain number of appointments can be made each year:
| Level | Appointments per Year |
|---|---|
| Companion | 15[1] |
| Officer | 64 |
| Member | 136 |
| Non-Canadian (Honorary) | 5 |
| Total | 220 |
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