Order of Canada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Order of CanadaOrdre du Canada |
|
|---|---|
Insignia of a Member
|
|
Awarded by the monarch of Canada.svg){kind=small} |
|
| Type | State order |
| Established | 17 April 1967 |
| Motto | Desiderantes meliorem patriam |
| Eligibility | All living Canadians, except federal and provincial politicians and judges while holding office |
| Criteria | The highest degree of merit, an outstanding level of talent and service, or an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Elizabeth II |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Chancellor and Principal Companion | Governor General of Canada |
| Grades |
|
| Former grades |
|
| Statistics | |
| First induction | 1 July 1967 |
| Total inductees | 8,375 (as of January 2024[update]) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Member of the Order of Merit |
| Next (lower) | Commander of the Order of Military Merit |
The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada) is a special Canadian honour. It is the second-highest award for people who have done great things for Canada. Only the Order of Merit is higher.
This award was created in 1967, when Canada celebrated its 100th birthday. It recognizes Canadians who have made a big difference to the country. It also honours non-Canadians who have helped make the world a better place. The Order's motto is in Latin: desiderantes meliorem patriam. This means "they desire a better country." This phrase comes from an old book called Hebrews 11:16.
The Order has three levels: Companion, Officer, and Member. Some people can also get special "extraordinary" or "honorary" memberships. The King of Canada, Charles III, is the head of the Order. The Governor General helps manage it. As of January 2024, over 8,300 people have received this honour. These people include scientists, musicians, artists, athletes, and business leaders.
Contents
History of the Order of Canada
The idea for the Order of Canada started in 1966. It was officially created by Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, on April 17, 1967. This happened with advice from Canada's Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson. The unique snowflake design for the award was suggested by John G. H. Halstead.
The Order officially began on July 1, 1967. This was Canada's 100th birthday. The first person to be honoured was Governor General Roland Michener. A few days later, 90 more people received the award. These included famous Canadians like novelist Gabrielle Roy and hockey player Maurice Richard.
The Order of Canada helped create a new system of Canadian honours. This meant Canada used fewer British awards. The Order of Canada is now a very important part of Canada's own award system.
Levels of the Order
The King of Canada is the head of the Order. The Governor General is also a special leader called the Chancellor. Below them are the three main levels of the Order. These are Companion, Officer, and Member. Each level has special letters that members can use after their names.
- Companion (CC) is the highest level. These people have shown the greatest merit to Canada and the world. Up to 15 Companions can be appointed each year.
- Officer (OC) is the next level. These people have shown outstanding talent and service to Canadians. Up to 64 Officers can be appointed each year.
- Member (CM) is the third level. These people have made a great contribution to Canada or Canadians in their local area or field. Up to 136 Members can be appointed each year.
When the Order first started, it had two main levels: Companion and the Medal of Service. There was also a Medal of Courage, but it was never given out. In 1972, the Medal of Courage was replaced by the Cross of Valour. At the same time, the Officer and Member levels were added. This completed the three-level structure we see today.
What the Awards Look Like
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon bar | ||
| Companion | Officer | Member |
 |
 |
 |
The awards, called insignia, were designed by Bruce W. Beatty. He was also made a Member of the Order. The King's badge is made of gold and jewels. It has a snowflake design with a maple leaf in the middle.
The badges for members look similar to the King's badge, but without the jewels.
- Companions have a badge with a red maple leaf.
- Officers have a badge with a gold maple leaf.
- Members have a silver badge and a silver maple leaf.
All badges have a crown on top, showing that the King is the head of the Order. The back of the badge simply says "CANADA."
The ribbon for the award is white with red stripes, like the Canadian flag. There is also a small lapel pin that members can wear every day. It is a tiny version of their badge.
Members wear their badges in a special way. Companions and Officers wear their badges around their neck on a ribbon. Members wear their badges on a ribbon pinned to their left chest.
Members of the Order can also add symbols of the Order to their family coat of arms. This shows their connection to this important honour.
Keeping and Selling Awards
The rules of the Order of Canada say that the awards belong to the Crown. This means they cannot be sold. If a member is promoted to a higher level, they must return their old badge. Awards can be passed down in families or displayed in museums. However, some awards have been sold over the years, which is against the rules.
Who Can Be Appointed?
Any living Canadian citizen can be considered for the Order of Canada. However, federal and provincial politicians and judges cannot receive it while they are in office. The Order recognizes people who have made a big difference to Canada. It also honours non-Canadians who have helped the world.
Each year, hundreds of nominations are sent in by people or groups. An Advisory Council reviews these nominations. They decide who is worthy of the honour. The Governor General then makes the final choice. New members are usually welcomed at a special ceremony at Rideau Hall. This is the Governor General's official residence.
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council helps choose who gets into the Order. They look at nominations and recommend people to the Governor General. The Chief Justice of Canada leads this council. Other members include important government officials and leaders from arts and education groups.
Declining the Award
Most people accept the Order of Canada when it is offered. However, a small number of people have chosen to decline it. The names of those who decline are usually kept private. Some people have said no because they did not agree with the Order's structure. Others, like some supporters of the Quebec sovereignty movement, declined for political reasons.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was the Queen's husband, first declined an honorary award. He felt that as a member of the Royal Family, he was Canadian and should receive a full appointment. Later, in 2013, the rules changed. Prince Philip then accepted a special "extraordinary" appointment as a Companion.
Leaving the Order
Members can resign from the Order if they wish. They need to send a letter to the Governor General's office. The Governor General must approve the resignation.
Members can also be removed from the Order. This happens if their actions bring shame to the Order. The Advisory Council decides if someone should be removed. If removed, the person must return their award. As of 2022, eight people have been removed from the Order of Canada. This happened because of serious actions they took. For example, some were removed after being found guilty of serious misconduct.
Images for kids
-
Seal of the Order of Canada
-
Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, welcomes Jules Léger into the Order in 1973.
See also
- List of companions of the Order of Canada
- Canadian order of precedence (decorations and medals)
