Order of Canada
The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada) is a Canadian national order and the second-highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, following only the Order of Merit. Established in 1967 to coincide with the centennial of Canadian Confederation, the three-tiered order serves as a fellowship recognizing the outstanding merit or distinguished service of Canadians who make a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in every field of endeavour, as well as efforts by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions.
Membership is accorded to those who exemplify the order’s Latin motto, desiderantes meliorem patriam, which translates to “they desire a better country,” a phrase taken from Hebrews 11:16. The order is structured into three specific tiers:
- Companion
- Officer
- Member
Specific individuals may be granted extraordinary membership, and deserving non-Canadians may receive honorary appointment into each grade.
King Charles III, the reigning Canadian monarch, is the order’s sovereign. The Governor General administers the order as its Chancellor and Principal Companion. Appointees to the order are recommended by an advisory board and formally inducted by the Governor General or the sovereign. While awards initially required the prior approval of the sovereign, since 1978, the sovereign is only informed of awards after they have been made.
As of January 2026, 8,729 people have been appointed to the order, including a diverse range of individuals such as scientists, musicians, politicians, artists, athletes, business people, film stars, and benefactors. While some members have resigned or have been removed from the order, other appointments have been noted as controversial. Appointees are presented with insignia and receive the right to armorial bearings.
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