Canadian Heraldic Authority
The Canadian Heraldic Authority is part of the Canadian honours system under the Canadian monarch, whose authority is exercised by the Governor General of Canada. The authority is responsible for the creation and granting of new coats of arms, flags, and badges for Canadian citizens, government agencies, municipal, civic and other corporate bodies. The authority also registers existing armorial bearings granted by other recognized heraldic authorities, approves military badges, flags, and other insignia of the Canadian Forces, and provides information on heraldic practices. It is well known for its innovative designs, many incorporating First Nations symbolism.
Rideau Hall, seat of the CHA
Armorial achievement of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Governor General Michaëlle Jean wearing the collar of office of head of the CHA. The escutcheon of the CHA's coat of arms is incorporated into the collar's design.
Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada
The orders, decorations, and medals of Canada comprise a complex system by which Canadians are honoured by the country's sovereign for actions or deeds that benefit their community or the country at large. Modelled on its British predecessor, the structure originated in the 1930s, but began to come to full fruition at the time of Canada's centennial in 1967, with the establishment of the Order of Canada, and has since grown in both size and scope to include dynastic and national orders, state, civil, and military decorations; and various campaign medals. The monarch in right of each Canadian province also issues distinct orders and medals to honour residents for work performed in just their province. The provincial honours, as with some of their national counterparts, grant the use of post-nominal letters and or supporters and other devices to be used on personal coats of arms.
A medal awarded for participation in repelling the Fenian raids, presented by Queen Victoria in 1899
Prime Minister of Canada R.B. Bennett, who advised King George V to create the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
The former Queen of Canada, Elizabeth II, was during her reign the fount of the Canadian honours system, pictured here wearing her insignia as Sovereign of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Military Merit
A replica of Father Maurice Proulx's Order of Canada medal in the Musée François-Pilote in La Pocatière, Quebec.