The Order of Canada is a Canadian state order and the second-highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, after the Order of Merit.
Insignia of a Member
Lorne Michaels wearing the lapel pin of a Member (with magnified inset)
The coat of arms of David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada and Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, displaying the order's motto and insignia
Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada and Sovereign of the Order of Canada, invests Jules Léger as a Companion of the order at Rideau Hall, August 1973.
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.