Back وسام كندا Arabic وسام كندا ARZ Orde de Canadá AST Ордэн Канады BE Ордэн Канады BE-X-OLD Orde del Canadà Catalan Řád Kanady Czech Urdd Canada CY Order of Canada German Order of Canada English
| 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 |
The Order of Canada was set up in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II, to reward service to Canada.
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).