Updated: 2 June, 2009

Canada

In a hurry, try the following excellent websites on Canadian medals:

• Canadian Military Medals and Decorations  Department of Veteran's Affairs

• Department of National Defence Website   National Defence - Directorate of Honours and Recognition

• Canadian Honour System  Governor General Website

• The Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals   This brochure serves as a guide to wearing insignia of Canadian Honours on different occasions and with various modes of dress. Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals (1.18MB - PDF) Date published online: 2005-09-27

	British Commonwealth Decorations Ribbon Rackbuilder Our good friend Lucas Gaszewski has created the first Rackbuildder for the ribbons of Commonwealth countries on the Internet, including the Orders and Medals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

• Canadian Orders

  • Order of Canada

  • Order of Military Merit

  • Order of Merit of the Police Forces

  • Royal Victorian Order

  • Order of St. John of Jerusalem

  • Companion of Honour

• Provincial Awards

  • Alberta

  • British Columbia

  • Manitoba

  • New Brunswick

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Nova Scotia

  • Ontario

  • Prince Edward Island

  • Quebec

  • Saskatchewan

• Canadian Medals for Military Valour

  • Victoria Cross (Canadian)

  • Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

  • George Cross/Medal

  • Star of Military Valour

  • Medal of Military Valour

• Canadian Bravery Decorations

  • Cross of Valour

  • Star of Courage

  • Medal of Bravery

• Meritorious Service Decorations

  • Meritorious Service Decorations

• Current Canadian Medals

  • Sacrifice Medal

  • Gulf and Kuwait Medal

  • Canadian Somalia Medal

  • Southwest Asia Service Medal

  • Special Service Medal

  • Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal

• United Nations Medals

  • United Nations Medals

• Peacekeeping Medals (Other than United Nations)

  • Multinational Force and Observers (MFO)

  • European Community Monitoring Medal

  • NATO Medals

  • INTERFET Medal

  • ISAF - Afghanistan

  • General Campaign Star and General Service Medal

  • Operational Service Medal (Britain)

  • European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal 

  Canadian Commemorative Medals

  • Canadian Commemorative Medals

    • Golden Jubilee Medal

• Canadian Long Service and Exemplary Service Medals

  • Canadian Forces Decoration

  • RCMP Long Service Medal

  • Exemplary Service Medals

  • Corps of Commissionaire Long Service Medal

  • Canadian Efficiency Decoration

  • Royal Canadian Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medals

• Canadian Medal for Champion Shots

  • Canadian Medal for Champion Shots

• Insignias

  • Mention-in-Dispatches

    • Canadian Somalia Medal

  • Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation

• Regulations

  • Order of Precedence for wearing Canadian Medals and post-nominal letters (1998)

  • Use of post-nominal letters

  • Regulations - Honours - Queen's Regulations and Orders

  • Wearing of Foreign Orders, Decorations and Medals

  • Wear of Medals on Service Dress on all-weather coat

  • Canadian Volunteer Service Medal Regulations (1994)

  • Gallantry Award Orders (1990)

  • 1943 Canadian Army Dress Regulations

  • Order Governing the Grant of the Memorial Cross to Mothers and Widows

• Cadet Medals

  • The Air Cadet Excellence Medal (Air Force Association of Canada)

  • Orders, Decorations and Medals - Canadian Cadet Medals

  • St. John Ambulance - Cadets - Medals

• Miscellaneous Medals

  • Police Gallantry - King's Police Medal

  • Canadian Military Volksmarch Medals

  • Lifesaving Medal - Purina Animal Hall of Fame

  • The Aboriginal Veterans Commemorative Millenium Medallion

  • The Governor General's Performing Arts Awards

  • Memorial Cross

  • Order Governing the Grant of the Memorial Cross to Mothers and Widows

  • Dutch Flying Cross (Awards to Canadians)

  • Royal Red Cross Medal

• Royal Canadian Legion

  • Order of Remembrance

• Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Medal

• Research Corner

  • Research Corner

  • Boer War

  • WWI

  • WWII

  • Korea

  • Canadian Military Units

  • Canadian Air Force

  • Obituaries

  • Canadian History/Genealogy

Order of Canada

Order of Canada   The Constitution of the Order of Canada Eligibility and Nominations Search: Order of Canada Membership List Governor General of Canada

• Alan Eagleson stripped of the Order of Canada - Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc has officially stripped Alan Eagleson of his Order of Canada. Eagleson, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada on April 20, 1989. The advisory council which administers Canada's highest honour, rejected a plea from Eagleson to be allowed to keep the Order, and has asked for Eagleson to return the insignia of the Order. This marks the first time in its 31 year history that a recipient has been removed from the Order. Eagleson, a former executive director of the National Hockey League's Player's Association, is serving an 18-month sentence after admitting to defrauding the hockey players he represented. In the United States, he was fined $1 million for mail fraud. He has also been disbarred by the Law Society of Upper Canada and voted out of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

• Hazel McCallion receives Canada's highest honour Mayor Hazel McCallion received the nation's highest honour, the Order of Canada. In May, McCallion was invested as a Dame in the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta. mississauganews.com 18 Nov 05

• Disgraced Ahenakew to lose Order of Canada honour The council that admits people into the Order of Canada has begun the process of revoking the membership of former aboriginal leader David Ahenakew, who awaits a judge's ruling on a hate crime charge. If Ahenakew, 71, does not resign from the order voluntarily by Saturday, he will be removed, said Lucie Brosseau, who speaks for the Governor General's office. Two and a half years ago, Ahenakew told former Saskatoon StarPhoenix reporter James Parker that the Holocaust was a good thing and praised Adolf Hitler for having "fried" six million Jews during the Second World War.He later apologized, but was charged with inciting hatred. A judge is due to hand down a verdict in the case. sask.cbc.ca 7 Jul 05

  • Canada strips native leader's honor Canada has stripped one of its highest honors from an aboriginal Indian leader after he was found guilty of promoting hatred. He received his medal in 1978 for his work as a member of a U.N. committee as well as the World Indigenous Peoples Council. Ahenakew has vowed he will not return his Order of Canada medal. sciencedaily.com 12 Jul 05

• Order of Canada mulls stripping Black of honour The Order of Canada advisory council will consider whether to strip Canada's highest civilian honour from Lord Black after receiving letters requesting the revocation, said Marie-Paule Thorn, a spokeswoman for Rideau Hall. Lord Black's membership in the Order "undermines its integrity and greatness," said Charlie Angus, the NDP critic for Canadian heritage, who yesterday sent a letter of his own. "The Order of Canada is a very special and unique honour. It represents the best of the best, who we are proud of. Someone who has been convicted of an offence certainly does not meet that standard and Lord Black is no longer a Canadian citizen," he said. "With the seriousness of the conviction and the fact that it has been seen internationally, Canada needs to act." Lord Black's lawyer, Edward Greenspan, said yesterday that a review of his client's membership in the Order of Canada, should be postponed until the criminal matter is completed. "Since we have announced that there will be an appeal, the only appropriate thing to do is to await the result of the appeal before any motion about his Order of Canada should be brought," he said. Policy states that termination of a person's appointment to the Order of Canada should be considered if the recipient "has been convicted of a criminal offence" or if his conduct has brought dishonour to the order. Only two other high-profile Canadians have had the award taken from them -- former hockey union czar Alan Eagleson and Saskatchewan native leader David Ahenakew -- after criminal convictions, respectively, for fraud and promoting hatred. Others have been subject to controversy because of their membership, most notably steroid-using Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson and runner Steve Fonyo, who completed a cross-country journer for cancer research but in later years, ran into trouble with the law with charges of assault, fraud, theft, weapons offences, and impaired driving. Both remain members of the Order. "People don't lose the Order of Canada just like that," Ms. Thorn said. "It's not something that is taken lightly. It has to be very carefully reviewed." Gilles Paquet, who formerly served on the advisory council when Mr. Ahenakew was stripped of his honour in 2005, said a review generally only takes place after someone is convicted and all avenues of appeal have been exhausted. "In the case of Black, we have the first decision by the court but this can go to appeal. We don't know yet," Mr. Paquet, the former president of the Royal Society of Canada, said. "The person is innocent until proven guilty." Lord Black, who famously gave up his Canadian citizenship in 2001 to accept the title as Lord Black of Crossharbour, was invested as an officer of the Order of Canada in 1990. His citation describes the "distinguished Toronto entrepreneur and publisher" as "a man of diverse achievements within the realms of Canadian commerce, education, literature and the arts." canada.com 17 Jul 07
• Order of Canada to review Lafleur's award after convicton The advisory council of the Order of Canada will ponder stripping Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur of his medal after he was found guilty of lying in court, but a decision will not be made quickly. A spokeswoman for the office of the secretary to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, who bestows the Order status, said Monday that there are provisions that allow for the termination of an appointment when a member is convicted of a criminal offence. “The case will be brought to the attention of the advisory council,” said Lucie Caron. “But no decision will be made before all legal proceedings are over,” she added.  Lafleur was found guilty earlier this month of giving contradictory evidence at his son’s trial in September 2007. He will be sentenced on June 18. A criminal conviction doesn’t automatically lead to the revocation of Canada’s highest civilian honour. For instance, former media magnate Conrad Black kept his title after he was convicted of fraud and jailed in the United States. That could change, however, once all his appeals have been exhausted. The national order has stripped only three people of their medal. One, native leader David Ahenakew, lost his for comments that were deemed racist.  Over the weekend, a spokesman for Quebec Premier Jean Charest said Lafleur will not lose his Order of Quebec status.  network.nationalpost.com 11 May 09

• Catholic Group Returns Order of Canada Medals Over Abortion Practitioner's Award A Catholic group in Canada is returning the Order of Canada medals awarded to two priests because the Society that issued them recently awarded abortion practitioner Henry Morgentaler. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate says it is returning medals given to two priests. The medals went to Father Anthony Sylla of Edmonton in 1971 for his work as a missionary and Father Michael Smith of Toronto in 1979 for helping war refugees. A Canadian Press report indicates the group says it was astonished and outraged that the medal would go to the man who forced Canada to allow abortions and who has done thousands of abortions with his own hands. The group says the honor and integrity of the medals was tarnished when Morgentaler received one. Morgentaler received the medal in October when the Governor General's office, which bestows the award, held a ceremony in Quebec City. The office applauded Morgentaler in a press release for having "a major impact on Canadian public policy" and putting himself "at risk in his determined drive to increase health-care options for Canadian women." Several other pro-life Catholics have returned their medals in protest, including Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, the Catholic archbishop of Montreal. In September, the Canadian Judicial Council dismissed a complaint that pro-life advocates filed in response to the award. The complaint centered on Canada Supreme Court Justice Beverley McLachlin, who had defended her role in overseeing the award. Charles McVety, president of the Canadian Family Action Coalition, said the chief justice should no longer sit on the Order of Canada panel because some award recipients, like Morgentaler, are involved in legal disputes that will eventually come before the court. At the end of July,  KLRVU surveyed Canadians and learned that a clear majority oppose giving Morgentaler the award. The poll included 13,324 respondents when the firm conducted it from July 17-21. The random telephone poll of Canadian households found 55.8% of Canadians oppose the awarding of the medal to the man who helped usher in unlimited abortions in Canada paid for at taxpayer expense. The poll found opposition to the award across the provinces. lifenews.com 8 Dec 08

• Sikh lawyer may be stripped of Canadian honour A veteran Sikh lawyer and activist may be stripped of his Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honour, as early as next month after being disbarred for professional misconduct.The Governor General's office said that the advisory council of the Order of Canada, the body that reviews all nominations and appointments, will reconsider the 2002 investiture of T Sher Singh when it meets this fall. "The advisory council will review the matter at its earliest opportunity," Marie-Paule Thorn, a spokesperson for Governor General Michaklle Jean, said. "They are scheduled to meet in the fall and they will review that at the same time as they review all the nominations planned for that time.Singh's 2002 citation from the Governor General's office said the honour was in recognition of his "vast record of public service.Singh, who lives and practiced in Guelph, was disbarred over allegations he failed to serve his clients, mishandled trust funds, improperly took USD 2,000 from a client and practiced law after he had already been suspended by the law society in November 2005. Singh has been a prominent advocate of race relations, and was appointed to a provincial task force on the matter in 1989. He is also a former member of the Ontario Police Commission. timesofindia.indiatimes.com 16 Sep 07

• Order of Canada for Mandela - During a state visit to Canada on the 24th of September 1998, South African President Nelson Mandela has become the first foreign leader appointed to the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada, the country's highest honour, was created in 1967 on the 100th anniversary of Confederation and is normally open only to Canadian Citizens. Mandela was invested into the order by Governor-General Romeo LeBlanc, who presented the South African leader the order's badge, a stylized snowflake with six points. Mandela was invested as an honourary companion of the order, the highest level. Only three times in the past has the order been bestowed upon expatriates or non-Canadians. Those three recipients - all at the level of honourary officer - were Canadian-born economist John Kenneth Galbraith, Swiss-born conductor Charles Dutoit (a longtime resident of Montreal, where he is artistic director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra) and Canadian-born inventor James Hillier. (Ref: The Toronto Star September 25, 1998)

• Chrétien mum on Liberal leadership at award ceremony After being invested with the country's highest civilian honour, former prime minister Jean Chrétien said he does not want to step on the toes of the current Liberal party leadership. Following the awards, Mr. Chrétien told media he is enjoying his time away from federal politics and is not in a position to direct his old party. "I've become Professor Chrétien," he said. He was appointed a Companion, the order's highest level of membership, for leading the Liberal party through three consecutive majority governments "that stressed balanced budgets, national unity and Canada's place in the world," said Sheila-Marie Cook, secretary to the Governor General. canada.com 23 Feb 08

• Canada honours Shields Carol Shields the Pulitzer Prize winner and Booker Prize nominee  was named a companion in the Order of Canada, the order's highest honour. (Nov 02)

• Governor General to invest 38 recipients into the Order of Canada December 11, 2006 - Honours News Release

• Governor General to invest His Highness the Aga Khan as Honorary Companion of the Order of Canada 3 Jun 05

• WWII ace named to Order of Canada - Edwards - Photo - More anada.com/victoria/timescolonist 30 Jul 04

• Boutros Boutros-Ghali to be invested into the Order of Canada 5 May 04

• Honour for Boutros-Ghali sparks debate The federal government announced that it is giving a rare honour to former United Nations secretary-general Boutros Boutros-Ghali, sparking renewed controversy over his flawed leadership during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Mr. Boutros-Ghali will become only the ninth foreign citizen to be made an honorary companion of the Order of Canada, joining the likes of Nelson Mandela and Vaclav Havel. theglobeandmail.com 6 May 04

• Fergie Jenkins gets his medal It took baseball legend Fergie Jenkins so long to pick up his Order of Canada medal, the actual decade in which he received the award remains a little foggy. The Hall of Fame pitcher and native of Chatham, Ont., was living too far away to make it to the awards ceremony when he was told he'd received Canada's highest civilian honour. Jenkins says he got that call from Rideau Hall in 1984, when he was an employee in the Chicago Cubs organization. But records from the governor general's residence show that it was Dec. 17, 1979, when Jenkins was pitching for the Texas Rangers in the latter stages of his stellar career. hamiltonspectator.com 5 May 07

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  Ms. Barbara J. Clark of Ottawa receives the Order of Canada from the Governor General for her contributions as Artistic Director of UNISONG, a popular musical event held on Canada Day. (4 Dec 01)

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  Mr. William Thomas Tutte, from Waterloo, Ontario, is decorated with the Order of Canada by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clark. (12 Oct 01)

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  At a private ceremony in Vancouver, Donald Lewes Hings, C.M. of Burnaby, B.C. received the Order of Canada from Governor General Clarkson.

• Governor General announces appointment of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to the Order of Canada (Aug, 2000)
• Governor General presents the insignia of the Order of Canada to The Queen Mother, in London, England (27 Oct, 2000)
• Queen Mother thanks 'Dear Canada' for giving her highest Canadian Honour (Oct, 2000)  
• Insignia Worn by the Governor General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson (Nov,2000)

• Governor General to present Mrs. Florence Richler with the insignia of Companion of the Order of Canada for her late husband, Mordecai Richler, C.C. (17 Dec 01)  

• Canada - Order of Canada Medal of eBay Going, going, not quite gone: Cancelled eBay medal auction The anonymous owner of one of the first Order of Canada medals ever awarded is auctioning off the rare insignia via e-mail after Internet auctioneer eBay refused to let it be sold on their site. In an e-mail Friday to The Canadian Press, the seller - identified only by the eBay username "dalida44" - said hundreds of people have expressed interest in the medal, awarded nearly 40 years ago to noted Quebec historian Gustave Lanctot. The correspondence has also included a number of "insulting letters," the seller said. "I had even one person writing: 'Can't believe you would sell this, this piece belongs to a museum. What else could we expect from a Quebecer, though. Disgraceful."' However, the seller doesn't see the difference between the symbol of Canada's highest civilian honour and military medals, which are often posted on the site for auction. "From my point of view, the medal of an unknown soldier who fought in World War II or an unknown fireman deserve as much respect (as) Gustave Lanctot's medal." When eBay pulled the medal five days early on Jan. 1, the bidding had reached C$15,100 and more than 8,500 people had visited the auction, the seller said. The owner said one medal collector was ready to send a bank transfer of US $22,000 for the sterling silver, snowflake-shaped medal. The current owner paid C$45 for the medal at an estate sale in Montreal six years ago, but was unaware of its value until it was listed on eBay. A southern Ontario muscle car auto-parts dealer wants Rideau Hall to seize Lanctot's medal outright, and has contacted the RCMP to look into the matter of its sale. Bids are being accepted for the medal until Jan. 12 at delorisivy(at)videotron.ca. canada.com 6 Jan 07 No Order of Canada medal sale, eBay says Internet auction site EBay has dropped the gavel on bidders who were hoping to get their hands on a hard-to-find symbol of Canada's highest civilian honour: one of the first Order of Canada medals ever awarded. The medal of service, issued nearly 40 years ago to noted Quebec historian Gustave Lanctot, was pulled from the site five days early on Jan. 1 because it violated eBay's policy banning the sale of government property, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. The policy prohibits the sale of government IDs and licences, including birth certificates, passports and “any die, seal or stamp provided by, belonging to, or used by a government department, diplomatic or military authority appointed by or acting under the authority of Her Majesty.” “We have the trust and safety and policy team that review the site 24/7 looking for items that may potentially infringe on any of our prohibited items policies, and that's how this one was brought to our attention,” said eBay public relations manager Erin Sufrin. “As part of that, it was determined that the Order of Canada medal fell under that policy and was, therefore, not appropriate to be for sale on eBay.” Some 20 bidders pushed the price to a staggering $12,000 (U.S.) (NOTE: The last bid I saw was $15,100 Cdn) before the auction was pulled, but Mr. McCreery said he doubts anyone was really willing to pay so much for a medal that's probably only worth between $5,000 (Canadian) and $6,000. theglobeandmail.com 4 Jan 07 Order of Canada Medal on eBay A click of the mouse and deep pockets are all that's separating online bidders from a chance to own a rare piece of Canadian history that ranks among the country's most prestigious honours: one of the earliest Order of Canada Medal. The medal, awarded to noted Quebec historian Gustave Lanctot nearly 40 years ago, surfaced on eBay. Lanctot died in 1975. Born in 1883 in St-Constant, Que., Lanctot was a well-known historian whose historical works spanned some 40 years. After studying at the Universite de Montreal, Oxford in England and the Sorbonne in Paris, he went to work in 1912 for the Public Archives of Canada, today known as the National Archives of Canada. He retired in 1948. Lanctot later served as a historical adviser on five Canadian short films in the 1960s, including Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine and Selkirk of Red River.  Lanctot was awarded the Order of Canada's Medal of Service just five days after the order was established on July 1, 1967. The medal of service was only handed out between 1967 and 1972. "It's quite scarce," said Christopher McCreery, author of The Order of Canada: Its Origins, History and Development. "There are only 389 awarded, of which there are only about 125 that are still in existence because the remainder were exchanged for the officer insignia and melted by the Royal Canadian Mint." Rideau Hall spokeswoman Marilyne Guevremont said families or successors of late order recipients can choose to return the award, keep it as an heirloom or donate it to a museum, but it remains in theory a property of the Crown. "It's also hoped that such insignias, medals or decorations are treated with the appropriate dignity and respect, and disposal by selling and buying them is highly discouraged," Guevremont said. thestar.com 29 Dec 06

Order of Military Merit

Order of Military Merit Eligibility and Nominations Governor General of Canada What is the submission, selection and announcement process for the Order of Military Merit? DND Who is eligible to receive the Order of Military Merit? DND

• 1999 Recipients of the Order of Military Merit - This presentation brought together a very interesting group of military personnel with outstanding medal groups.

• Investiture of the Order of Military Merit - 2000 (26 May, 2000)

• Governor General announces 89 new Appointments to the Order of Military Merit - 2001 (27 Jun 01)

• GG announces 88 new Appointments to the OMM (Jun 02)  

• Governor General presents Halifax sailor with Order of Military Merit (Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Danial J. Atton) (Jul 00)

• Ex-Cadets Appointed to the Order of Military Merit (Royal Military College) (Mar 02)

• Governor General to invest 42 individuals into the Order of Military Merit [June 16, 2003]

• Governor General to invest 47 individuals into the Order of Military Merit 25 Nov 03
• Governor General to invest 46 individuals into the Order of Military Merit 8 Jun 04
• Governor General to invest 41 individuals into the Order of Military Merit 8 Nov 04
• General Richard B. Myers of the United States Air Force presented with insignia of Honorary Commander of the Order of Military Merit 
  1 Feb 05

• Governor General to invest 50 individuals into the Order of Military Merit 3 Jun 05

• Governor General to invest 43 individuals into the Order of Military Merit  8 Nov 05

• Navy captain receives honour in ceremony at Rideau Hall Capt. (N) David Kyle has a good track record when it comes to his career in the navy. So good, in fact, that the chief of staff for Maritime Forces Pacific was presented with the Order of Military Merit by Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Oct. 27. The award was given to Kyle because of his consistent record of personal dedication and excellence throughout his career in the navy that began in 1971. saanichnews.com 8 Nov 06

Order of Merit of the Police Forces

Order of Merit of the Police Forces Governor General of Canada Eligibility and Nominations  Order of Merit of the Police Forces -  Letters Patent do issue establishing a society of honour in Canada to be known as the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. Prime Ministers Office Order in Council:  2000-1390/00  Approved on 2000/08/24 Governor General invests the first 23 members into Order of Merit of the Police Forces May 10, 2002 Governor General invests 33 members into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces March 31, 2003 Governor General to invest 40 recipients into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces 4 May 2004 Governor General to invest 45 recipients into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces 24 Jun 05

Royal Victorian Order

• Queen bestows medal on visit Coordinator The coordinator of the Queen's visit to Iqaluit, Annette Bourgeois, has been named a Member of the Victorian Order. Approximately 105 Canadians have been named to the order. (Oct 02)

• Royal honours for the man who put a Canadian coat on European tradition In nearly 20 years as Chief Herald of Canada, Robert Watt helped design over 1,000 coats of arms, shaking up the centuries-old heraldic tradition with images of beavers and bears and mottoes written in, among other languages, Inuktitut. His work (he was the first to hold the position after it was created in 1988, retiring last June) is credited for a heraldic boom that's seen governments, universities, Indian bands and sport and social clubs, as well as individuals, apply for one-of-a-kind coats of arms. Now, he has been recognized by the Queen, who, in her New Year's honours list, named him Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, which dates back to the days of Queen Victoria and is bestowed for "extraordinary, important or personal services performed for the Sovereign or the Royal Family." Mr. Watt, whose heraldic expertise does not extend to blowing his own horn, says he and colleagues worked together to fashion a Canadian version of a creaky tradition. "What we were really doing was taking a really old European idea and bringing it to life and turning it around and giving it a Canadian face," says Mr. Watt, 62. "If heraldry was going to have a real presence in Canada and be accepted in Canada, then it needed to reflect our geography, our history, our aspirations and the things that mattered to us as a people." For Mr. Watt, one such thing was equal status for men and women; Canada's heraldic system, unlike England's, allows coats of arms to pass to female heirs. "Probably the thing I am proudest of is that Canadian heraldry is gender-equal. As you would think it would be," he says. Only about 125 Canadians have been named to the Royal Victorian Order, says Christopher McCreery, an Ottawa-based author who has written a history of the Order of Canada. The honour reflects Mr. Watt's influence in shaping the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which was created in 1988 when heraldic jurisdiction was transferred from Britain to Canada. (Canada's Constitution had been patriated from Britain in 1982.) The agency "really Canadianized heraldry," Mr. McCreery says. "And Rob was at the forefront of that, over his 19 years as Chief Herald, especially in involving indigenous people and their art and their symbols." theglobeandmail.com 2 Jan 08 

Order of St. John of Jerusalem

Order of St. John of Jerusalem Links to the Chivralric Alliance of St. John Orders Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Link to websites around the world) Seniors Matter: Honours keep rolling in for decorated veteran Retired captain John Langton has another honour to add to a long list of achievements in a stellar military career. Highly decorated for his service in the Indian Army in the Second World War and for his ranks in two Crusades-era medical orders, Langton became a Knight Commander of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. He was already a Commander of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. All these military and medical medals are quite appropriate for Langton, because while he wasn’t in much immediate danger in the wartime Ordnance Corps or supply service in Assam, India, a Japanese booby trap after the war cost him his left hand in British North Borneo. He also has an Indian independence medal. The Kingston Whig-Standard, Canada - 2 Jun 2003

Companion of Honour

Former Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff ( CDS), General John de Chastelain, will be named a Companion of Honour later this winter at Buckingham Palace. Gen de Chastelain is one of three peace brokers in the decommissioning process in Northern Ireland. All three will receive honour for their efforts. The Maple Leaf, Vol. 2, No. 1 15 January, 1999 Toronto scientist on Queen's honours list A Toronto scientist who is a world leader in research into how cells communicate with one another has been named a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by the Queen. Dr. Anthony Pawson, a principal investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, was honoured for his services to genetic sciences and cancer research. The order is limited at all times to 65 members plus the Queen. Membership is conferred on men and women for services of national importance. Pawson is only the fourth Canadian to receive the award, joining late prime ministers Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau as well as Gen. John de Chastelain, the former head of the Canadian Armed Forces who has served as head of decommissioning efforts in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 and awarded the Order of Ontario in 2005. thestar.com 4 Jul 06

Province of Alberta

• Alberta Order of Excellence (Government Website) Complete alphabetical list or select by first letter of last name: B C D E G H J L M P R S T W Complete chronological list or select by year of induction into the Order: 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

• Alberta Emergency Services Medal

• Province of Alberta Medals awarded to Provincial Police Officers Pictured left is the Special Constable Long Service Recognition Medal was developed by the Alberta Government in cooperation with the Alberta Special Constable Association (ASCA) to recognize any person whose Special Constable service equals or exceeds a period of 20 years. Feb 04

   

• Alberta Centennial Medal The Alberta Centennial Medal celebrates Alberta’s first 100 years by paying tribute to Albertans whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community and their province. To ensure that the medal is inclusive and recognizes a diversity of contributions, the criteria for nominations are broad. The medal can be awarded to living men, women and youth who: have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Alberta, and are Canadian citizens that reside in, or have resided in, Alberta. The Alberta Centennial Medal is included in the Canadian Order of Precedence of orders, decorations and medals and may be mounted and worn with other official honours. Approximately 8,000 medals will be awarded to outstanding Albertans.

   Congratulations to the Cochrane and area’s 2005 Centennial Medal winners 52 worthy citizens of the Banff-Cochrane constituency were recognized during Centennial Medal Presentations. A number of the recipients were from Cochrane and area. The medal program is in honour of Alberta’s 100th birthday, and they recognize the extraordinary contributions many Albertans have made to the life, growth and prosperity of the province. Recipients in Cochrane and area included: Bonnie Bagnall, Mayor Ken Bech, Shirley Begg, Richard Benedictson, Stu Bradley, Robert E. Clarke, Paul Daniels, Gordon Davies, Darcy Dixon, Ada Furber, former mayor Lydia Graham, Shelley Mabbott, John Reilly, Doug Richards, Roland Rollinmud, Ernest Wesley and Aaron Young. cochranetimes.com 19 Oct 05

  • MLA awards centennial medals Macleod MLA, Barry McFarland, seated at left, nominated 12 Vulcan County residents to receive  Alberta centennial medal for their contributions to the community. Back row, left to right: John Seaman, Reno Bexte, Les Krasman, Kathy Krasman, Lori Lyckman, Lorne Umscheid and Walter McNiven. Front row, left to right: Barry McFarland, Emma Smith, Joanne Monner and Heather McDonald. Missing from photo are Glen and Marie Logan. vulcanadvocate.com 21 Dec 05

  • Cochrane couple’s medals unique, remarkable While it is no surprise that a number of Cochrane and area residents have been awarded Centennial medals this year, one couple has been recognized in a most unique way. At the end of October, Bill Hargarten was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in Calgary for his extensive volunteer work with St. John’s Ambulance. Then, earlier this month, his wife Carol was honoured with a Centennial Medal, but this one is the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, presented Dec. 10 in Humboldt. It is believed that they are the only husband and wife team to have been awarded a Centennial medal this year from each of the two provinces celebrating 100 years in 2005. She also said although she was the one who received the medal, that it is one she accepts on behalf of everybody who has been involved with Tamara’s House: Services for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Saskatoon. Carol said she worked for over 12 years to help the first of it’s kind facility go from an idea at the kitchen table, to a facility meeting the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs of women 16 and older who survived the devastating experiences of childhood sexual abuse. cochranetimes.com 21 Dec 05

  • Vietnamese-Albertans honoured with Centennial Medals Forty Vietnamese-Albertans have been honoured at the Alberta legislature with Centennial Medals.The event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first major settlement of Vietnamese refugees in Alberta. The medals were presented by Calgary member of the legislature Wayne Cao, himself a refugee from the end of the Vietnam War. In fact, 28-year-old Cao was one of the first people to scramble onto a U.S. navy evacuation helicopter just before Saigon fell in 1975. Medal recipients included entrepreneurs, academics and representatives of social agencies that have helped immigrants settle into their new home. canada.com 5 Feb 06

• 43 Strathcona firefighters get medals Almost a quarter of Strathcona County firefighters were recognized last week with a new provincial service medal. Forty-three full-time and part-time firefighters, dispatchers, fire chiefs, and communications officers received the new Alberta Emergency Services Medal, created by Alberta Municipal Affairs to recognize emergency responders who have committed at least 12 years to their career. Last Thursday at the steps to the legislature, approximately 300 emergency services personnel from all across Alberta were presented with the medals. Premier Ralph Klein helped make the presentations. Sherwood Park News, Canada - 21 May 2003

• Klein hands out medal to local EMS director Protective Services director Dave Worman is one of 300 emergency services personnel from across Alberta bearing the medal that pays tribute to his outstanding service in the department. The medal was presented by Premier Ralph Klein at the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton. Fort Saskatchewan Record, Canada - 23 May 2003

• The City of Calgary EMS Silver Heart Medal for Distinguished Conduct - The Silver Heart Medal for Distinguished Conduct was initially struck as an internal recognition piece to be awarded solely to paramedics and EMTs employed by the City of Calgary Emergency Medical Services in 2007. Recently, the Alberta government has taken over governance of all ground ambulance service in the province, therefore, there is no 'Calgary EMS' any longer per se. However, the medal was awarded to two staff members of the City of Calgary EMS just prior to the provincial take over. It is uncertain about the future of the Silver Heart Medal at this time. In time, the criteria may expand to be a provincially granted medal, but that remains to be seen. Here is some of the criteria staff must meet to be considered for the medal: About the award  It was created in order to honour and recognize a specific outstanding act by an employee. The award consists of a heart-shaped pin that can be worn by the employee during regular job related activities and a medal that can be worn with the number one dress uniform.  Recipient selection  • The Silver Heart is awarded to an employee who performed an act of conduct that is clearly above and beyond job expectations. This act of conduct must be in line with the best expectations of The City of Calgary HEART values and traditions of EMS.  • The member must be a registered member of the Alberta College of Paramedics.  • The member must have a minimum of five years of service from date of hire with The City of Calgary Emergency Medical Services.  • The member must indicate that he/she has not been convicted of a criminal code offence or disciplined by an employer or college.  • Calgary EMS expects employees who receive recognition for the Silver Heart for Distinguished Conduct award as described above subsequently conduct themselves as ambassadors for the award. Ref: email Stuart Brideaux Public Education Officer EMS

• City Honours Emergency Workers who helped burning man The city is honouring two emergency workers who helped a man who set himself on fire in downtown Calgary as motorists and pedestrians watched in horror. Calgary paramedic Neil Tatomir and Calgary emergency medical technician Odessa Deans received the City of Calgary Silver Heart for Distinguished Conduct. The Silver Heart is awarded to an employee who performed an act of conduct that is clearly above and beyond job expectations," Calgary EMS said in a statement. "The award consists of a heart-shaped pin that can be worn by the employee during regular job-related activities and a medal that can be worn with the number one dress uniform."This marked the first time the Silver Heart has been awarded. cbc.ca 20 Feb 09

• The Edmonton Police Service Medals - Medals of Valour and Honour have been introduced by the City of Edmonton (Alberta) Police Services effective in the year 2001. Awards will be published in Edmonton Police Service Orders.

  • Medal of Valour: This is the highest award and is bestowed for outstanding acts of personal heroism or the most conspicuous acts of courage in circumstances of extreme peril and personal hazard to life. Nominations for the Medal of Valour will, initially, be considered for occurrences dating back to 1961. Obverse: A circular, 1 ¼” diameter, polished silver medal suspended from a fixed bar carrying th3e words ‘FOR VALOUR’ thereon. The center design of the medal is the badge of the Edmonton Police Service, which is superimposed on a black letter ‘V’. The ribbon is 1 ¼” wide in police blue with a three eights inch wide center stripe (blue and white being the colours of the City of Edmonton). In the center of the white stripe are two narrow stripes of yellow and red (representing the police and valour).

  • Medal of Honour: This medal is to be conferred upon members of the Edmonton Police Service, who during the intelligent and appropriate execution of their duty as a peace officer, suffered grevious physical injury or permanent disfigurement. The Medal of Honour may also be awarded posthumously, to the surviving family of Edmonton Police Service members who have lost their lives while in the lawful execution of their duties and service to the City of Edmonton. The Medal of Honour may be awarded for occurrences, which date back to 1892: the year in which the Edmonton Police Service was established. Obverse: An eight pointed star shaped medal, 1 ¼” across the points, in polished silver and suspended from a fix bar carrying the words ‘FOR HONOUR’ thereon. The center design of the medal is the badge of the Edmonton Police Service enclosed in a circle of small rectangular blocks. The ribbon is 1 ¼” wide in police blue with an eleven sixteenths of an inch wide white center stripe. ON this center stripe are three equally spaced narrow stripes of red, yellow, and red. (Reference: The Journal of The Orders and Medal Research Society, September 2001, Volume 40, Number 3 (252), p. 228, by Jack Boddington)

  • Chief Buffalo to receive province’s highest honour The Alberta government will induct Samson Cree Nation Chief Victor Buffalo into the Alberta Order of Excellence. This is one of the province’s highest honours, bestowed only to a select group of Albertans. Buffalo is being honoured for his longstanding contributions to the Samson Cree Nation and the Canadian aboriginal community as a whole. The distinction comes shortly after Buffalo’s induction into the Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame in Toronto, for his lifetime contribution to aboriginal business in Canada as one of three 2006 Laureates. Buffalo will be inducted June 14. Other honourees include, Evelyn Buckley, Donald Laubman, David Leonard, Gary McPherson, Douglas Mitchell and Patrick Nixon. westaskiwintimes.com 9 Apr 07

Province of British Columbia

• Order of British Columbia (Government Website) Instituted by Bill 4-1989, the Provincial Symbols and Honours Act on 21 April, 1989. The Government of Canada granted status to the order in the Official Precedence of Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals by Privy Council Order 1991-84, 09 May 1991 and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, page 1724. There have been 68 awards to the end of 1993. (Ref: Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals by F.J. Blatherwick, CD) Recipients 1996 to 2001 1990 to 1995 Alphabetical Index

• British Columbia Medal of Good Citizenship 

• Fire Service Awards
  • British Columbia Fire Fighters Medal of Bravery

  • British Columbia Fire Fighters Medal of Bravery  The Medal of Bravery was established on June 8, 1988 for members of the fire service, to express, on behalf of the citizens of British Columbia, their gratitude to the firefighters who have performed acts of courage and bravery without concern for their own personal safety.

• Provincial Long Service Medal

• • British Colombia Bravery Medal Image courtesy of Jarrett Chow

• Police Awards
  • British Columbia Police Roll of Honour
  • The Province of British Columbia (BC)  has instituted two new awards for BC police. Both Municipal and Royal Canadian Mounted Police members are eligible for the awards. They are a Gold (Valour) and Silver (Meritorious Service) metal rectangular devices to be worn, centered at the top of the left pocket flap.  They have the BC Shield in the centre with a sprig of dogwood on either side. (Ref: email Jarrett Chow)  

  • B.C. Police Honoured RCMP and municipal police officers who have performed an exemplary service to the citizens of British Columbia will be honoured at an annual ceremony. Twenty-seven officers will receive B.C.’s highest award for their acts of exceptional valour in the face of extreme hazard. Along with the traditional gold pin for valour, the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor, will also present a medal of valour for the first time in the province’s history. Thirty-five officers will receive a silver pin for meritorious service to recognize their exemplary performance, acting in a manner significantly beyond the standard normally expected. List of Recipients news.gov.bc.ca 17 Nov 05     

Province of Manitoba

• Order of Manitoba   Official Site - Contains Provisions, List of Recipients for 2000

  Manitoba Excellence in Law Enforcement Medal The Attorney General of Manitoba instituted awarding these to Police Officers who were recommended by their service in 2000. A provincial government committee vets the nominations and 35 have been awarded up till and including 2007. Most have gone to municipal police officers with only a few going to RCMP members. The medal comes in a velvet lined case with a miniature medal and lapel pin. They are awarded at the annual Safe Communities awards dinner each spring. The front of the medal has the Manitoba shield and "Excellence in Law Enforcement" in english and french. The reverse of the medal has the officers: rank, name, service and year awarded. Photos courtesy of RCMP Cpl Gary Hollender.

Province of New Brunswick

• Order of New Brunswick (O.N.B.)
• Order of New Brunswick Act (Bill 18)

• Order of New Brunswick Recipients 2002 - Biographical notes (Oct 02)

Province of Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland and Labrador Award of Bravery
• Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal

• Order of Canada - Recipients from Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland and Labrador Firefighting Services Medal Awarded by the Provincial Fire Commissioner to firefighters with 25 years of service.

Province of Nova Scotia

NS to create medal to honour those who perform heroic acts Nova Scotians who risk their lives to save others may soon be honoured with a new medal. Premier Rodney MacDonald has introduced legislation that would create the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery for those who risk life and limb in an emergency. The premier says it's a way for the province to thank people and to hold them up as 'models of Nova Scotian values.' MacDonald says an advisory council will be set up to establish criteria and to select eligible candidates for the medal. He says those who will be eligible must have performed a heroic act after Jan. 1, 2007. The first award ceremony will likely take place early in 2008. hfxnews.ca 20 Mar 07

• Province Of Nova Scotia News Release - Province Establishes Award to Recognize Brave Nova Scotians
• Provincial bill would recognize acts of bravery
• An Act to Establish an Award to Recognize Bravery of Nova Scotians
• First Reading
• Second Reading Debates 
• Four heroic Nova Scotians to be awarded with Medals of Bravery They saved lives, and for their bravery they’ll be awarded medals by the premier next month. Four men were chosen to be the first recipients of Nova Scotia’s Medals of Bravery. The ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 29th. Jeffery Skaling of Canning saved a young woman’s life. She was in danger of drowning by Lumsden Dam, but Skaling swam to her, pulled her out and performed CPR. Ira Moody Barkhouse and Arnold Whynott of Mahone Bay saw an airplane crash near Bridgewater. They fought the fire in the wreckage and pulled out the passenger. A.G. McRae of Black Point came across a car accident on Highway 103. He quickly pulled out a woman and her son from the burning wreckage. “These are Nova Scotians who have found themselves in extraordinary situations and who have responded with great courage,” said Premier Rodney MacDonald in a statement. “We are very proud to have such individuals in our province — people who, in the face of danger, made the choice to act.” An advisory panel was made up of a former justice, police and paramedic representatives, as well as government and military personnel. halifaxpopexplosion.com 22 Sep 08
  
• Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery Act
• About the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery

• Men receive Medals of Bravery Receiving Nova Scotia's inaugural Medals of Bravery from Premier Rodney MacDonald for rescuing a man from a burning plane crash was nice, but perhaps not as special as the day last month that man walked in to thank Ira Barkhouse, pictured right, and Arnold Whynott personally. "He came in and said he was the man from the plane crash," said Mr. Whynott, fighting back tears.  "It was good to see him walking. He looked good."  The man had flown in from his native Switzerland with his wife more than a year after being a passenger in a fatal crash of an ultralight aircraft at Bernard Mailman's quarry in Rhodes Corner.  "Him and his wife came in and she grabbed a hold of me. They came in and sat down and they were some pleased. It was a real big hug," laughed Mr. Barkhouse. "There were tears coming down her cheeks. She was quite emotional. It was nice."  Both men were given handwritten letters of thanks from the couple, and a promise to take them out to dinner when they return next spring.  "He said he might get another plane, and I said 'you better not,'" laughed Mr. Whynott, who was the first person on the scene after the crash.  Meanwhile, Mr. Barkhouse grabbed a couple fire extinguishers and raced to the scene while a co-worker dialed 911.  Eventually, about eight or nine people showed up with fire extinguishers trying to put out the flames, which were licking at a fuel tank filled with gas.  "All we were concerned about atthat time was getting the fire out," saidMr. Barkhouse.  Mr. Whynott said the pilot was likely killed on impact. "His face was white as a sheet and it looked like he was looking right at me. There was no movement and his eyes didn't blink."  The passenger was badly injured as well.  "I didn't think he was going to make it."  For their actions that day, the two quarry workers received Medals of Bravery. southshorenow.ca 4 Nov 08

• Premier awards heroes with provincial Medals of Bravery He didn’t think. A.G. McRae just reached into a burning truck and pulled out a woman and her 10-year-old boy.Black ice was everywhere on Highway 103 on Dec. 1, 2007. McRae was taking his son to a basketball game when he noticed the damaged truck with smoke streaming out of the engine.He pulled the boy out first then went back in for the mother as the smell of gas filled the air. McRae’s wife tended to the injured mother while he moved the boy across the road because the truck was fully engulfed in flames. The pistons and tires were popping, he said.“It’s like slow motion in a movie when I was doing it,” said McRae, 40, who retired from the military and is now a high school teacher. He lives in Black Point. Without his knowing, McRae’s wife nominated him for the first provincial Medal of Bravery because of his heroic actions. metronews.ca 30 Oct 08

• Hero receives provincial Medal of Bravery A Canning man is one of four Nova Scotians to receive a Medal of Bravery from Premier Rodney MacDonald.  Jeff Skaling of Canning, Kings County, saved the life of a young woman last summer who was in danger of drowning. With no thought to his own safety, he swam out into Lumsden Dam, pulled the young woman to shore and performed CPR. The other recipients of the inaugural Medal of Bravery are:  Ira Moody Barkhouse and Arnold Whynott, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co. Barkhouse and Whynott witnessed an aircraft crash near Bridgewater and proceeded to fight a fire in the wreckage, saving the life of a passenger.  A.G. McRae, Black Point, Halifax Regional Municipality. MacRae came upon a motor vehicle accident on Highway 103. Through his quick actions, he was able to save a woman and her son from the burning car wreckage. novanewsnow.com 29 Oct 08

• List of 2002 Recipients (Oct 02) 2005 ONS Recipients

Province of Ontario

• The Order of Ontario (Official Site. Includes list of recipients for 1998, 1999, 2000) The Order of Ontario 2003 Recipients Order of Ontario Recipients for 2004 Announced The names of this year's 29 recipients of the Order of Ontario, the province's highest and most prestigious honour, were released today by the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. citizenship.gov.on.ca 7 Sep 05 2007 Order of Ontario Recipients Announced

• The Ontario Police Medal for Bravery (Official Site. Includes list of recipients for 1999, 2000) Ontario Medal for Police Bravery (1998 Recipients): Constable David Nicholson - (Waterloo Regional Police Service) For his rescue attempt to save12 year old Mark Gage who drowned while swimming in the Grand River. Constable Nicholson lost his life in his attempt to rescue the boy. Constable Robert Sauvé - (Waterloo Regional Police Service) Dove under the waters of the Grand River three times trying to free his partner, Constable David Nicholson. Nicholson became trapped in the rushing water of the Parkhill Dam while trying to rescue 12 year old Mark Gage who drowned while swimming in the river. When his body was found, his arms were still wrapped abound the child. Constables Gary Blake and Bob Murray - (Toronto Police Force) For rushing into a burning building to evacuate people. Constable James Adamson - (Toronto Police Force) For braving downed hydro lines and leaking fuel to assist a trapped truck driver. Constable David Rody - (First Nations Police Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, Marten Falls) For diving into freezing waters to rescue a 3 year old child. Senior Constables Daniel Esposto and Daniel Goodwin - (Ontario Provincial Police, Manitoulin Detachment) For dragging a canoe through icy waters to save a man who had crashed through the ice. (Ref: The Toronto Star, Wednesday, November 18, 1998, page A10) Ontario recognizes courageous firefighters and police officers The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and Robert Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, presented the Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery to nine firefighters and the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery to five police officers. The bravery medals are the province's highest honour in recognition of firefighters and police whose actions demonstrate outstanding courage and bravery in the line of duty. Complete list of 2002 Recipients (Dec 02) Province honours heroic firefighters and police officers The Ontario government recognized 10 firefighters and 10 police officers for bravery. The recipients of the 2003 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery are firefighters Kory Hietala and Mike Jacques of the Brighton District Fire Department. The recipients of the 2004 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery include Captain Michael Black and firefighters Daniel Glanville, Brent Kirchner, Darrell Black and Benoit Ladouceur from the London Fire Department, firefighters Kurt Gagain and John Mavrinac of the Timmins Fire Department, and Acting Captain Craig Waters of the Toronto Fire Services. The recipients of the 2003 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are: constables Randy Whittaker and Douglas Cowell of the Chatham-Kent Police Service; constables Paul Henton and Ronald Deli of the Toronto Police Service; provincial constable David Allan O'Byrne of the Picton Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, and Sergeant William Whitesell from the Windsor Police Service. The recipients of the 2004 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are: constable Christopher Garrett (posthumous award) of the Cobourg Police Service; constables Michael MacDonald, Michael Simons and Mark Piché of the Waterloo Regional Police. A total of 161 Ontario Medals for Firefighter Bravery have been awarded since 1976 and 164 Ontario Medals for Police Bravery have been awarded since 1975. newswire.ca 25 Feb 05 Province Honours Heroic Firefighters and Police Officers The Ontario government today recognized two firefighters and three police officers for bravery. The recipients of the 2005 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery are Captain Ralph Noble of the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services and Lieutenant Mark Smith of the Sarnia Fire Rescue Services. The recipients of the 2005 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are Provincial Constable Todd Bremner of the Ontario Provincial Police Oxford Detachment; Provincial Constable Guy Harmison of the Ontario Provincial Police Lanark County Detachment; and Sergeant Tapio Paajanen of the Greater Sudbury Police Service. ogov.newswire.ca 2 Beb 06 Heroes Burn Bright At Bravery Awards Fourteen police officers and four firefigthters who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others, including one who made the greatest sacrifice, were honoured for their bravery.  2006 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery Recipients: Constable Andrew Bakker, Constable Philip Hordijk, Constable John Legault, Constable Scott Sladek and Sergeant Dean Streefkerk London Police Service During the night of Monday, June 27, 2005, a nine-year-old girl fled her London family home and told neighbours that she believed her mother was dead, the victim of a shooting. When they tried to enter the home, police were shot at by a gunman inside, who soon set fire to the home. Police feared that the gunman had shot the mother and two children. Regardless of personal danger, Sergeant Streefkerk and Constables Bakker, Sladek, Hordijk and Legault entered the smoke-filled residence and searched for the gunman and his hostages. They evacuated all three victims and the armed suspect. All were dead from gunshots. Sergeant Streefkerk and Constables Hordijk and Bakker were treated for smoke inhalation. Provincial Constable Bret Davis - Ontario Provincial Police -  Quinte West Detachment While on patrol on June 4, 2005, Constable Davis drove by a house fire on Dundas Street East in Trenton. He rescued a man from the main floor living room and returned to rescue a second man. Joined by his partner, Davis went back to rescue a third man; however, overcome by smoke, they were forced to leave the house. Quinte West Fire Department firefighters arrived on the scene and rescued the third resident. All three victims survived. Constable Davis was later treated for smoke inhalation. Sergeant Jeff Fahey, Constable Claudius Koosees and Sergeant David Nakogee - Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service On January 8, 2006, Sergeant Nakogee, Constable Koosees and then Constable Fahey were at the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Detachment of Kashechewan First Nation when a fire broke out inside the building. They heard screams and immediately ran toward the cells where two young men were being held. Koosees was overcome in seconds by thick black smoke and collapsed. Nakogee saw Koosees lying unconscious on the floor with the back of his shirt on fire. He put out the fire with his hand and, with the help of Fahey, dragged the unconscious Koosees to safety. Regrettably, the two young men died in their cells. Koosees was flown to southern Ontario with serious burn injuries. Fahey sustained minor burns and Nakogee suffered smoke inhalation. Constable Ryan Hutchison - Leamington Police Service On August 21, 2005, Constable Hutchison responded to a 911 call at the PelDee Island ferry dock in Leamington. Far out from the breakwall in Lake Erie, two girls struggled to keep their heads above metre-high waves. Carrying a life ring, Hutchison and an ambulance attendant jumped into the water. They managed to reach the girls and brought them back to the dock. Both girls survived. But when Hutchison tried to climb the breakwall, he was repeatedly slammed up against it by the high waves. Nearing exhaustion, he was finally pulled up onto the dock by emergency response team members. Constable Hutchison was later treated for numerous cuts, abrasions and exhaustion. Constable David Kerr - Shelburne Police Service On February 13, 2006, Constable Kerr responded to a house fire in Shelburne. He met an elderly man whose face was covered with soot. The man told him that his wife, because of her poor physical condition, was trapped upstairs. Due to the intense heat and smoke, it took Kerr two attempts to successfully drag the unconscious woman back to safety. The woman recovered from her injuries after a week in intensive care. Kerr was not injured. Provincial Constable Tammy Plummer Ontario Provincial Police, Haldimand County Detachment On June 7, 2005, Constable Tammy Plummer responded to the report of a drowning woman at a quarry in Hagersville. Constable Plummer saw the victim floating face down in the water. She immediately jumped in and swam to the woman. Plummer rolled the victim onto her back and started to pull her to the north side of the quarry. The unconscious victim was pulled out of the water and taken to West Haldimand Hospital, where she later died. Sergeant Lawrence Zimmerman (Pictured left) - Toronto Police Service On the night of April 14, 2005, Sergeant Lawrence Zimmerman responded to a fire call at a six-plex building on Rutherford Avenue in Toronto. He ran into the building and saw a man trying to pull a badly burned woman down from the second floor landing. The man yelled that there was a baby inside the apartment. Zimmerman lifted the woman on his back and carried her out of the burning building. He cleared the way for firefighters to rescue a severely injured 18-month-old child. He also helped the other man - who had risked his life to get the woman out - to leave the building. Senior Constable John Atkinson (posthumously) - Windsor Police Service In the afternoon of May 5, 2006, Senior Constable John Atkinson saw two suspicious individuals in the parking lot of a Mac's convenience store in Windsor. Following brief observations, he approached the two men and identified himself as a police officer. Without warning, one of the men produced a firearm and fired one shot striking Atkinson in the face. As both suspects began to flee the scene on foot, Atkinson drew his weapon and returned fire with one shot. Constable Atkinson was fatally wounded, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two persons were arrested within the hour and charged with murder and narcotic offences. citynews.ca 9 Nov 06 OPP officer's act of bravery earns him prestigious Carnegie Medal Ontario Provincial Police Constable Dan Bailey, Crime Prevention and Investigation at the Fort Frances OPP detachment was presented with the Carnegie Medal at OPP General Headquarters today, for an exceptional act of bravery and courage. Const. Bailey was off-duty and visiting family in Elgin County on August 1, 2006 when he ran to the scene of a Jeep that had lost control and crashed near the residence he was visiting. The Jeep was burning and Const. Bailey immediately attempted to free the driver and her passenger from the vehicle. While the officer's brother used fire extinguishers from his home to keep the flames back, Const. Bailey used his pocket knife to cut the seat belts from both occupants. Despite the intensifying flames and extreme heat, Const. Bailey carried the driver to safety with the help of two bystanders. The passenger's hand was pinned under the vehicle's roll bar, making it impossible for Const. Bailey to remove her from the vehicle, however he again engaged the bystanders to help rock and move the vehicle, which then allowed him to free the passenger from the burning vehicle. Sadly, the driver succumbed to her injuries later that day, however this does not diminish Const. Bailey's courageous off-duty attempts to save the lives of the two women from the burning vehicle, all the while placing his own life in danger. The Carnegie Medal is awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission to persons in Canada or the United States who voluntarily risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the life of another person. The Carnegie Medal was presented by Douglas R. Chambers, Director of External Affairs, Carnegie Hero Fund Commission from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and OPP Commissioner Fantino also presented Const. Bailey with a Commissioner's Citation for Bravery and St. John Ambulance Award. On January 18, 2008, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Rick Bartolucci presented the officer with the Ontario Medal of Police Bravery.  newswire.ca 24 Jan 08

• The Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery   (Official Site. Includes list of recipients for 1999, 2000)  Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery (1998 Recipients): Firefighters Kevin Nicholls and Bruce Correa - (Toronto Fire Department) For saving a woman from a house fire, and who suffered burns while looking for a trapped 2 year old child. Firefighters Paul Buffet and Gord Selinger - (Hamilton Fire Department) For pulling out two fellow firefighters from a house fire. (Ref: The Toronto Star, Wednesday, November 18, 1998, page A10) Honouring Bravery (Six Ontario firefighters were honoured for bravery in a public ceremony in November in Toronto where they were presented with the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery. - Photos) (Nov 01) Ontario recognizes courageous firefighters and police officers The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and Robert Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, presented the Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery to nine firefighters and the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery to five police officers. The bravery medals are the province's highest honour in recognition of firefighters and police whose actions demonstrate outstanding courage and bravery in the line of duty. Complete list of 2002 Recipients (Dec 02) Province honours heroic firefighters and police officers The Ontario government recognized 10 firefighters and 10 police officers for bravery. The recipients of the 2003 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery are firefighters Kory Hietala and Mike Jacques of the Brighton District Fire Department. The recipients of the 2004 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery include Captain Michael Black and firefighters Daniel Glanville, Brent Kirchner, Darrell Black and Benoit Ladouceur from the London Fire Department, firefighters Kurt Gagain and John Mavrinac of the Timmins Fire Department, and Acting Captain Craig Waters of the Toronto Fire Services. The recipients of the 2003 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are: constables Randy Whittaker and Douglas Cowell of the Chatham-Kent Police Service; constables Paul Henton and Ronald Deli of the Toronto Police Service; provincial constable David Allan O'Byrne of the Picton Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, and Sergeant William Whitesell from the Windsor Police Service. The recipients of the 2004 Ontario Medal for Police Bravery are: constable Christopher Garrett (posthumous award) of the Cobourg Police Service; constables Michael MacDonald, Michael Simons and Mark Piché of the Waterloo Regional Police. A total of 161 Ontario Medals for Firefighter Bravery have been awarded since 1976 and 164 Ontario Medals for Police Bravery have been awarded since 1975. newswire.ca 25 Feb 05 Heroes Burn Bright At Bravery Awards Fourteen police officers and four firefigthters who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others, including one who made the greatest sacrifice, were honoured for their bravery.  2006 Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery Recipients: Firefighters Richard Ainsworth and Richard Armstrong Chatham-Kent Fire Department On a cold Sunday morning in January 2005, firefighters Richard Ainsworth and Richard Armstrong were suddenly awakened by their pagers. They quickly went to an apartment fire above a clothing repair shop in downtown Blenheim. Fire had already breached the front window. Despite the heavy smoke, Ainsworth and Armstrong managed to reach the upper floor. They kicked the locked door open and rescued an injured person lying on the floor. Thanks to their team efforts, the victim survived and fully recovered after a lengthy stay in hospital. Firefighters Andrew Brassard and Steve Ellis - Milton Fire Department In the early morning hours of July 27, 2006, firefighters Andrew Brassard and Steve Ellis responded to a house fire on White Drive in Milton. They searched the second floor in zero-visibility and under rapidly deteriorating conditions as the fire quickly spread. The pair continued their search into the basement and evacuated an unconscious person who was lying on a bed. The victim spent a brief period in hospital and later made a full recovery. citynews.ca 9 Nov 06 Three area men to get national bravery medals Medal of Bravery for rescuing a senior citizen from a flaming car moments before it exploded Dec. 14, 2006. Mathew Vizbulis of St. Catharines will receive the Star of Courage for rescuing a Brampton father and his two sons from the Niagara River on July 29, 2006, while he was out rock climbing. When he came upon the trio, they were face down in the river and a panicked woman stood on the shore. Vizbulis immediately dove into the strong, swirling currents and dragged the 41-year-old father from the water. Then he jumped back in and rescued his 11-year-old and 17-year-old sons. Walker and Reynolds are being honoured for their actions after a collision. Walker crawled inside a flaming car and Reynolds stepped up to fight the fire with a small extinguisher and then helped him free Marianne Louise Bodo, 72, after her car collided with a van.  Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery last year. Reynolds and Walker were previously honoured by St. John Ambulance. thespec.com 18 Mar 09

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  The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (Official Site. Includes list of recipients for 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship Recipients Announced Thirty-eight Ontarians will receive the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is an official award of the Province and recognizes and encourages the virtues of good citizenship. Recipients must have made outstanding public contributions through exceptional long-term efforts. The award reflects their acts of selflessness, generosity and kindness, and exceptional contributions to community life. The award consists of a silver medal emblazoned with the provincial coat of arms on one side and the trillium on the other. citizenship.gov.on.ca 2 Feb 06

• Ontario Medal For Good Citizenship Recipients Announced Ontarians being presented with the Medal for Good Citizenship this year are: Paula Ball of Odessa for her supports to children and to the families of children with Autism in the Kingston and surrounding area. Melanie Bremner of Toronto for her work in empowering youth through education via the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation she helped create. Daniel Greenglass of Toronto for improving the lives of thousands with disabilities through the Best Buddies Canada. The program matches students with Buddies who are persons with intellectual disabilities and has the pairs personally connect with each other on a regular basis. Paula King of Barrie for her work to help women to restart their lives as the co-founder and executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County. King was instrumental in the opening of a women's half-way/homeless shelter in Barrie. Joanne Klauke-LaBelle of Sarnia - Has helped young people gain self esteem through the arts as the founder and executive director of Harmony, a not-for-profit arts organization. Youngsters involved in the program "pay" for their lessons by doing community work and performing in community concerts. Helen Lu of Toronto - Affectionately known as "Mama Lu," Helen has been a tireless volunteer, and fundraiser in the community for many years for organizations such as United Way and the Yee Hong Centre. Angus Campbell McKenzie of Lambeth is an active community volunteer for a variety of organizations in the community. He has also helped construct a Canadian School in South Sudan Africa. William Robb of Kingston is the Founder of the Barriefield Gardens and Murals beautification programs in Kingston. He has devoted his life to the community of Kingston, improving its environment and preserving its history. John Sabean of Pickering has volunteered his time for more than 30 years to causes as diverse as refugees, peace and human rights, natural history, local history and the environment. He is the co-founder of the Pickering Township Historical Society and Durham West Arts Centre. John Schoonderbeek of Mitchells Corner - John is an environmental steward in his community as well as the kind of neighbour that everyone should have the good fortune to have. His kind deeds help seniors stay in their homes longer. Kevin Wallace of Mississauga competed in the 2006 Race Across America ultra-endurance race to raise cancer awareness and raised $250,000 for the Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre at the Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga. The centre is named in his mother's honour. Ruth Zehr of New Hamburg is being recognized for a lifetime of giving to her community. Her contributions include decades of involvement in the horticultural community as well as volunteer work with her church, seniors, and low income women with pre-school children. newswire.ca 22 Jan 07
• Cyclist to receive Good Citizenship medal

• The Ontario Provincial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was established in 1949 and is awarded for 20 years of service. The ribbon is 32mm, dark red with 7.5mm white stripe, bisected by 3.5mm green stripe, 4mm from each edge. Further awards are denoted by a trilium device as follows:
  25 years service - 1 silver trilium device
  30 years service - 2 silver trilium devices
  35 years service - 1 gilt trilium device
  40 years service - 2 gilt trilium devices

• MPP's bill proposes Ontario bravery awards Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski has introduced a bill in the Ontario Legislature that will create a provincial award for civilians who perform acts of bravery. The bill, called the Ontario Medal for Civilian Bravery Act, would have the award given annually to civilians who, in the opinion of an independent advisory council to the minister of citizenship and immigration, have performed an act of outstanding bravery to save or protect the life of another person. While the governor general, Red Cross and Ontario Provincial Police have similar decorations for civilians, MPP Yakabuski said it's time the province had its own award. "There's no direct provincial award for civilian bravery," he said. "Time and again we hear of heroic stories that involve exemplary acts of courage and sacrifice on the part of regular citizens but, unfortunately, no award exists to recognize their efforts." The bill was given first reading in the legislature on April 14. MPP Yakabuski said it will be up to the government to bring it to second reading so it can be assigned to committee. "I hope I can convince other members to support me on that," he said. If enacted, the award could recognize Blair and Neil Kelley. The Deep River brothers saved the lives of two fishermen who fell through the ice on a lake near Stonecliffe last December. In another incident last May, Gord MacGregor, of Kanata, rescued a young man who had fallen into a lake near Algonquin Park. He was assisted by Ryan Burchart. "Civilians are usually the first people of response," the MPP remarked. "The chances are that the first person on an emergency scene is someone who doesn't wear a uniform." While he's confident he'll have caucus support, Mr. Yakabuski encourages the public to write their MPPs to say they support the bill. He added he hopes the act is passed before this session of the provincial legislature ends. thedailyobserver.ca 22 Apr 08

Province of Prince Edward Island

• Order of Prince Edward Island   The Order of Prince Edward Island is the highest honour the Province can bestow. It is the giving of public recognition to individual Islanders whose efforts and accomplishments truly have been exemplary. Please note that there is also a french version of this order. Click here for full details.

   

• Prince Edward Island Medal for the Arts - I recently purchased this medal at a flea market. I do not know the official title, but it appears that the medal is awarded by the province for contribution to the Arts. Here is what the obverse looks like.

Province of Quebec

• Ordre nationale du Québec (Canada) (Official Site - Contains complete details and list of recipients since 1985) (In French)

   
• New Members named to the Ordre National du Quebec (May 99)

• Quebec Honours Mulroney (Former Canadian Prime Ministry Brian Mulroney has been appointed a Grand Officer of the Order of Quebec (May 02)

• Quebec honours Crime Reporter (Does anyone know what medal was awarded?)

• Quebec honours French actor Depardieu - Gerard Dupardieu awarded Order of Quebec. He is the 29th non-Quebecer to receive the award, which recognizes contributions to the "evolution of Quebec society." (Sep 02)

• Remise de la Medaille pour Action Meritoire aux agents Martin Beliveau et Bruno Roy de la Surete du Quebec Sûreté du Québec police officers Martin Béliveau and Bruno Roy have been awarded the Médaille pour action méritoire for saving the life of a man who had fallen through the ice.  Medals awarded to police officers are the Cross of Bravery (Croix de bravoure) which is the highest distinction, the Meritorious Medal (Médaille pour action méritoire), and the Medal of Devotion (Médaille de dévouement) which is awarded posthumously. communiques.gouv.qc.ca 20 Mai 05

  • Copy of Citations A total of 1 Cross of Bravery and 11 Meritorious Medals were awarded. la-vie-rurale.info 30 Mai 05

• Meritorious Service Medal Awarded The Minister ofr Justice and Public Security of the Province of Quebec, M. Jacques P. Dupuis, has posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to police officer Valérie Gignac, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a police call. Article in French. communiques.gouv.qc.ca 14 May 07
• Remise d'une Médaille pour action méritoire - L'agent Migael Beaupre The Minister of Justice and Public Security of the Province of Quebec, M. Jacques P. Dupuis, has awarded the Medal of Meritorious Service to Police Officer Migael Beaupre for his rescue of a woman who had jumped from a bridge. Article in French. communique.gouv.qc.ca 14 May 07

• Ordre national du mérite agricole - A number of agricultural enterprises have been awarded the Quebéc Ordre national du mérite agricole (National Order of Agricultural Merit). The order comes in 3 classes, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The farm Claumond of Saint-Edmond-de-Grantham was awarded Gold, Les Terres maraîchères Norvie,  in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès was the silver recipient, while Les Atocas de l'Érable located in  Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, earned bronze. Article in French. cyberpresse.ca 15 Sep 06

• Un récompensé The Fédération des commissions scolaires du Québec (Quebec Federation of School Commissions) recently presented l’Ordre du mérite de la FCSQ, (Order of Merit) to Guy Allard. Article in French. citesnouvelles.com 29 Jun 07

• Presentation of Decorations and Honour Commendations A number of medals have been awarded by the Ministry of Public Safety for the Province of Quebec. List of citations for 2008. Information is in French. Liste des lauréats des décorations et citations Information on the various medals and recipients back to 2005. Information in French Règlement sur les décorations et citations décernées aux policiers du Québec ou à toute personne ou organisme Regulations for the various medals. Information in French.

• Daniel Germain fait Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Québec Daniel Germain (left), president and founder of the Club des petits déjeuners du Québec, was , received the Médaille de l'Ordre national du Québec (Medal of the National Order of Quebec), for his work in stopping child poverty. Article in French. hebdos.net 23 jun 07

• Quebec awards medal to Air Transat pilot Capt. Robert Piche awarde the Quebec National Assembly's Medal of Honour. (Nov 02) Hero Canadian pilot honoured at U.S. ceremony Canadian pilot Robert Piche, who landed an airliner-turned-glider on a small speck of land in the Atlantic Ocean, saving the lives of more than 300 passengers and crew, has been honoured with the Superior Airmanship Award from the U.S. Air Line Pilots Association. (Nov 02)

Province of Saskatchewan

• Province of Saskatchewan Order of Merit - Established in 1985, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit is a prestigious recognition of excellence, achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its residents.  The Order recognizes individuals who have made their mark in such areas as the arts, agriculture, business and industry, community leadership, the occupations or professions, public service, research, and volunteer service.  It takes precedence over all other provincial honours and awards.

  • Five Saskatchewan people receive province's top honourFive more Saskatchewan people will soon wear a lily-shaped medal around their neck on a green and gold ribbon when they accept the province's top honour. Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart announced an aboriginal entrepreneur, a history buff, a musician, an innovative educator and a man who dedicated his life to theatre are the newest recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. Retired Yorkton teacher Anna Ingham, 94, received the award for her educational contributions by developing a multi-sensory approach to help children read and write. Bill Waiser has been animating Saskatchewan history for more than two decades. The University of Saskatchewan history professor is the author of the centennial retrospective book Saskatchewan: A New History, which was listed as one of the best books of 2005 and won the Canadian History Association Clio Award for best regional history. A member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Lafond has worked to bridge the gap between aboriginals and the community at large. Retired director, producer, writer, adjudicator, teacher and arts administrator Calvin Abrahamson is also another new member of the order. He already has a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, Canada 125 commemorative medal and a Governor General's Medal for Canadian drama in his collection, as well his 2002 investiture as an officer of the Order of Canada. Barnhart's appointment of Saskatoon musician, conductor and community organizer David Kaplan brings the number of Saskatchewan order members to 141 since 1985. The former head of the University of Saskatchewan's music department and once conductor of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Kaplan can now be found writing for the Saskatoon Klezmer Band, playing at Folkfest and planning centennial spectacles such as the Drum Festival that debuted in Saskatoon this summer. canada.com 6 Oct 06

• Province of Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal - The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal may be awarded to Canadian citizens who are present or former long-term residents of Saskatchewan, with the exception of elected members of Parliament or the Legislature or members of the judiciary while still holding office.  Criteria for the medal are that the recipient has "provided, without reward or gain, outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community involvement in an area that is beyond the performance of the individual's normal duties or the exercise of the responsibilities of a profession to which that individual belongs".

• Amendments Proposed for the Emblems and Honours Act Amendments to The Saskatchewan Provincial Emblems and Honours Act will establish two new provincial honours: the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. The Protective Services Medal will recognize exemplary service of 25 years in Saskatchewan for law enforcement personnel and those working in a direct capacity to protect the people of Saskatchewan or their property. Another amendment will also allow for Centennial Medals to be awarded in 2005, when the province celebrates its 100th anniversary.  This Medal will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to society and will honour their outstanding achievements. The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal will be part of the provincial honours program that includes the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Saskatchewan News Release 10 Apr 2003

• Province of Saskatchewan Protective Service Medal - Established in 2003, the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal recognizes exemplary long service for individuals working in a direct capacity to protect people and/or property, and supervisory personnel in the public service sectors who ensure the safety, security and protection of Saskatchewan citizens. The medal is awarded to:  Fire Services; Police Services; Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); Citizenship and Immigration Canada; Emergency Medical Services; Canadian Forces; Parks Wardens; Highway and Transportation’s Transport Compliance Branch; Federal and Provincial Corrections; and Sheriffs, Deputy Sheriffs & Investigators, Department of Justice "Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods" Unit

• The Saskatchewan Centennial Medal - A one-time commemorative medal marking the province’s 100th anniversary.  The medal recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society and honours outstanding achievements. Approximately 4,000 medals will be presented. Criteria for this medal are a broad range of contributions to the community and to the province through leadership, voluntarism, community involvement and outstanding personal achievements. Only individuals, not groups, can be nominated. Posthumous nominations are not accepted. A certain number of individuals will receive the medal by virtue of their office, such as provincial and federal elected members, judges, Aboriginal leaders, and community and municipal leaders.  Other recipients are selected based on the recommendation of governmental and non-governmental organizations and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The Government of Canada has granted recognition to the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in the national precedence of orders, decorations and medals. May 05 Saskatchewan Centennial Medal Recipients 18 May 05 In pdf format Centennial Medal Specifications Centennial medals to be made out-of-province A medal that will help celebrate Saskatchewan's centennial is slated to be manufactured in Quebec because the provincial government says there are no local firms that can produce the same quality of work. sask.cbc.ca 15 Jun 04

•  Medal Presentations to Distinguished Individuals Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock presented the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The commemorative medal recognizes and honours the important role individuals have played in the development of the province. In the evening, the Lieutenant Governor also presented the medal to individuals who were recognized for their involvement in the visit of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh and for creating public awareness of the monarchy in Canada. Among the recipients are household members from Buckingham Palace, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Commissioner of the RCMP, the Mayor of Lumsden, General Manager of Hotel Saskatchewan, artist Roger Jerome and federal and provincial royal visit co-ordinators. "Her Majesty plays a vital constitutional and ceremonial role in Canada. She is also a hardworking and devoted Sovereign," Haverstock said. "Today's recipients are most deserving of this honour for promoting an understanding of the important work of our Queen and for facilitating visits by the Royal Family to Saskatchewan." Sir Robin Janvrin, Private Secretary to The Queen, also received the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award from Premier Lorne Calvert. The Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals from outside Saskatchewan who have made significant contributions to the well-being of the province and its people. gov.sk.ca 19 May 05
• Local area residents honoured with Saskatchewan Centennial Medal Several local area residents were honoured with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. Recipients included Wayne Elhard, (MLA for the Cypress Hills Constituency); Mrs. Yvonne Hassett, Maple Creek; Members of Royal Canadian Legion Maple Creek Branch #75 Edwin Kimber and Bob Vilness; Wayne Burton of Maple Creek; Rudolf Jackle of Fox Valley; Terry Haggart of Eastend and Bruce Lewis of Eastend. Approximately 4,000 Saskatchewan Centennial Medals will be presented throughout the province in 2005. Other recipients of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal include Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson; His Excellency Mr. John Ralston Saul; Dr. Lloyd Barber of Regina Beach, former President of the University of Regina; Mr. Brent Butt, comedian and creator of the television show Corner Gas and Mr. Joseph (Joe) Fafard of Pense, sculptor. His work is in major collections throughout the world. sasknews.com 18 Oct 05 
• Two Fort RCMP to receive Centennial honours Nov. 22 RCMP Cst. Helen Meinzinger and Cst. Lisa Downie will receive Saskatchewan Centennial Medals. Cst. Meinzinger was nominated for her efforts and work in the community, as well as her promotion of the DARE program. Cst. Downie is thought to have received her nomination for her role in the Valentine’s Day Hair Massacre Campaign for Kids with Cancer. fortsaskatchewanrecord.com 18 Nov 05

• Cochrane couple’s medals unique, remarkable While it is no surprise that a number of Cochrane and area residents have been awarded Centennial medals this year, one couple has been recognized in a most unique way. At the end of October, Bill Hargarten was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in Calgary for his extensive volunteer work with St. John’s Ambulance. Then, earlier this month, his wife Carol was honoured with a Centennial Medal, but this one is the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, presented Dec. 10 in Humboldt. It is believed that they are the only husband and wife team to have been awarded a Centennial medal this year from each of the two provinces celebrating 100 years in 2005. She also said although she was the one who received the medal, that it is one she accepts on behalf of everybody who has been involved with Tamara’s House: Services for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Saskatoon. Carol said she worked for over 12 years to help the first of it’s kind facility go from an idea at the kitchen table, to a facility meeting the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs of women 16 and older who survived the devastating experiences of childhood sexual abuse. cochranetimes.com 21 Dec 05

• Saskatchewan Medals Awarded to Sailors Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Lynda Haverstock presents a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal to retired commander Neil Sorsdahl, the former commanding officer of HMCS Saskatchewan. Haverstock presented medals to 12 recipients on the flight deck of HMCS Regina. The 12 recipients of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal are Capt. (N) Michael Jelinek, Cmdr. (retired) Neil Sorsdahl, Cmdr. Arthur McDonald, Lt.-Cmdr. Jeff White, Lt. (N) Malcolm French, Lt. (N) Matthew Low, Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Janice Davis, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Gordon Basaraba, Master Seaman Tracy Tkachuk, Leading Seaman Leslie Fox, Leading Seaman Keith Hill and Leading Seaman Darcy Ross. vicnews.com 8 Mar 06

• Centennial medals awarded 45 members of Meadow Lake and area were awarded Saskatchewan Centennial Medals. The group of people were recognized for the work that they had done throughout the community. The recipients ranged from retired teachers to active community group volunteers, to our Fire Chief Russ Nelson. One of the recipients was Antoinette Simard, pictured left. The 93-year-old Meadow Lake native has been all around the world, but love for the town has kept her coming back. meadowlakeprogress.com 11 Dec 05

• Queen Approves Honours Insignia The Queen approved the use of the Royal Crown on the insignia of three honours of the provincial Crown. Her Majesty signified approval by signing the original drawings of the insignia prepared by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The three insignia are: Saskatchewan Order of Merit – A stylized western red lily, the provincial floral emblem, on which is placed the shield of arms of Saskatchewan, surmounted by the Royal Crown and surrounded by the provincial motto, Multis e gentibus vires (From Many Peoples Strength). Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal – A circular silver medal bearing the provincial shield of arms surmounted by the Royal Crown and the words Saskatchewan and Nos Ipsos Dedimus (We Give of Ourselves). Saskatchewan Centennial Medal – A circular bronze medal bearing a wreath of western red lilies surmounted by the Royal Crown. Below is the provincial motto, Multis e gentibus vires (From Many Peoples Strength). On the circumference are the words Saskatchewan 1905-2005. On the reverse is the shield of arms of Saskatchewan. "The Province takes considerable pride in the Royal recognition of three of its honours of the Crown," Provincial Secretary Joan Beatty said. "By approving the use of the Royal Crown on the medals, Her Majesty is honouring our province and all the recipients of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, Volunteer Medal and Centennial Medal." gov.sk.ca 20 May 05

• Three residents receive honour The Order of Merit, Saskatchewan's highest honour, was presented to three Saskatoon residents. Don Kerr, Brian Towriss and Reuben J. Mapletoft were recognized at a ceremony in Regina, along with four other appointees. Kerr is a writer and historian who taught at the University of Saskatchewan for more than 40 years and is the author of numerous books. Towriss has coached the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team for 24 years, leading it to three Vanier Cup wins. Mapletoft is a professor at the U of- whose research has improved cattle genetics worldwide. The other appointees include Jim Scarrow, a broadcaster from Prince Albert; Cora Thomson, a community leader from Carry the Kettle First Nation; the Very Reverend Walter Farquharson, a United Church minister from Saltcoats; and D. Michael Jackson, a retired public servant from Regina. Since its inception in 1985, 148 people have been appointed to the Order of Merit. canada.com 15 Dec 07

• Queen Honours Saskatchewan Royal Visit Staff Her Majesty The Queen honoured three members of the provincial staff for the 2005 visit of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to Saskatchewan. Michael Jackson, Chief of Protocol and Royal Visit Co-ordinator, was invested by The Queen as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO), the highest rank in the Order open to Canadians. Her Majesty made Mr. Jackson a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order on her last visit to Saskatchewan in 1987. Debbie Saum, programme co-ordinator for the visit, was invested as a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO). Russ Marchuk, logistics co-ordinator, received the Royal Victorian Medal (RVM). gov.sk.ca 20 May 05 Alberta - During the Province of Alberta portion of her Visit, Her Majesty The Queen In Alberta, made Kevin MacLeod, the federal visit coordinator, a CVO.  Betty Anne Spinks, Alberta coordinator, was made LVO, Norm Davies, protocol officer, MVO, and there was one RVM. Ref: John Blatherwick Royal Victorian Order Mrs. Mary de Bellefeuille-Percy, Director of Honours at Government House, was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order  in the London Gazette honours list of 30 December 2006. Ref: John Blatherwick