Canadian honours order of wearing

The order of wear for decorations and medals of Canada is published by the Governor General of Canada.

Awards of valour

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Recipient of the Victoria Cross VC
Recipient of the Cross of Valour CV

National orders

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Member of the Order of Merit OM
Companion of the Order of Canada CC
Officer of the Order of Canada OC
Member of the Order of Canada CM
Commander of the Order of Military Merit CMM
Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces COM
Commander of the Royal Victorian Order CVO
Officer of the Order of Military Merit OMM
Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces OOM
Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order LVO
Member of the Order of Military Merit MMM
Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces MOM
Member of the Royal Victorian Order MVO
Bailiff/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St. John GCStJ
Knight/Dame of the Order of St. John KStJ/DStJ
Commander of the Order of St. John CStJ
Officer of the Order of St. John OStJ
Member of the Order of St. John MStJ
  1. Postnominal letters for this order are only used within the order itself.

Provincial orders

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec GOQ
Officer of the National Order of Quebec OQ
Knight of the National Order of Quebec CQ
Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit SOM
Member of the Order of Ontario OOnt
Member of the Order of British Columbia OBC
Member of the Alberta Order of Excellence AOE
Member of the Order of Prince Edward Island OPEI
Member of the Order of Manitoba OM
Member of the Order of New Brunswick ONB
Member of the Order of Nova Scotia ONS
Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador ONL

Territorial orders

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Member of the Order of Nunavut ONu
Member of the Order of the Northwest Territories ONWT
Member of the Order of Yukon OY

National decorations

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Recipient of the Star of Military Valour SMV
Recipient of the Star of Courage SC
Recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross (military division) MSC
Recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross (civilian division) MSC
Recipient of the Medal of Military Valour MMV
Recipient of the Medal of Bravery MB
Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (military division) MSM
Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (civil division) MSM
Recipient of the Royal Victorian Medal RVM

National decorations not included in order of precedence

The Royal Victorian Chain a personal award of the monarch that is of high status, but does not confer on the recipient any title or post-nominal letters, nor is it included in the order-in-council setting out the order of precedence for the wear of honours, decorations, and medals.

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain

National medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Sacrifice Medal

National medals not included in order of precedence

Certain national medals are recognized as a part of the Canadian honours system but are not included in the Order in Council that sets out the precedence of honours, decorations, and medals in Canada.

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Memorial Cross

War and operational service medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Korea Medal
Recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea
Recipient of the Gulf and Kuwait Medal
Recipient of the Somalia Medal
Recipient of the South-West Asia Service Medal
Recipient of the General Campaign Star
  • Allied Force
  • South-West Asia
  • Expedition
Recipient of the General Service Medal
  • Allied Force
  • South-West Asia
  • Expedition
Recipient of the Operational Service Medal
  • South-West Asia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Haiti
  • Sudan
  • Humanitas
  • Expedition

Special service medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Special Service Medal with Bars
  • Pakistan 1989-90
  • Alert
  • Peace/Paix
  • NATO/OTAN
  • Humanitas
  • Ranger
  • Expedition
  • Distantia
Recipient of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal
  1. Bars worn with first earned nearest the medal; when ribbon is worn, a silver, gold or red maple leaf is worn to show a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or subsequent bar.

United Nations medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Korea Medal
Recipient of the Emergency Force (Egypt and Sinai) Medal
Recipient of the Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine (UNTSO) and
United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL)
Recipient of the Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan Medal
Recipient of the Congo Medal
Recipient of the Temporary Executive Authority in West New Guinea Medal
Recipient of the Yemen Observer Mission Medal
Recipient of the Cyprus Medal
Recipient of the India/Pakistan Observation Mission Medal
Recipient of the Emergency Force Middle East Medal
Recipient of the Disengagement Observer Force in Golan Heights Medal
Recipient of the Interim Force in Lebanon Medal
Recipient of the Military Observer Group in Iran and Iraq Medal
Recipient of the Transition Assistance Group in Namibia Medal
Recipient of the Observer Group in Central America Medal
Recipient of the Observer Mission in Iraq and Kuwait Medal
Recipient of the Angola Verification Mission Medal
Recipient of the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Medal
Recipient of the Observer Mission in El Salvador Medal
Recipient of the Protection Force in Yugoslavia Medal
Recipient of the Advance Mission in Cambodia Medal
Recipient of the Transitional Authority in Cambodia Medal
Recipient of the Operation in Somalia Medal
Recipient of the Operation in Mozambique Medal
Recipient of the Observation Mission in Uganda and Rwanda Medal
Recipient of the Assistance Mission in Rwanda Medal
Recipient of the Mission in Haiti Medal
Recipient of the Verification of Human Rights and Compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala Medal
Recipient of the Verification Mission in the Central African Republic Medal
Recipient of the Preventive Deployment Force in Macedonia Medal
Recipient of the Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina Medal
Recipient of the Observer Group in Prevlaka Medal
Recipient of the Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Medal
Recipient of the Observer Mission in Sierra Leone Medal
Recipient of the Transitional Administration in East Timor Medal
Recipient of the Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Medal
Recipient of the Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Medal
Recipient of the Stabilization Mission in Haiti
Recipient of the Operation in Côte d'Ivoire
Recipient of the Mission in Sudan
Recipient of the Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste
Recipient of the Hybrid Mission with the African Union in Darfur
Recipient of the Mission in South Sudan
Recipient of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
Recipient of the Special Service Medal
Recipient of the Headquarters Medal

United Nations medals not included in order of precedence

Certain United Nations medals are recognized as a part of the Canadian honours system but are not included in the Order in Council that sets out the precedence of honours, decorations, and medals in Canada.

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the UN Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan & Pakistan

North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Medal for Former Yugoslavia (1992–2002)
Recipient of the Medal for Kosovo (1998–2002)
Recipient of the Medal for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (2001–2002)
Recipient of the Article 5 Medal for Operation Eagle Assist (2001–2002)
Recipient of the Article 5 Medal for Operation Active Endeavour (2001–2016)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for Operations in the Balkans (2003–)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for the NATO Training Mission in Iraq (2004–2011)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for NATO Logistical Support to the African Union Mission in Sudan (2005–2007)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for North Atlantic Council Approved NATO operations and activities in relation to Africa (2008–)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for Service on NATO Operation Unified Protector - Libya (2011)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Medal for Service on NATO Operation Sea Guardian (2016–)
Recipient of the Non-Article 5 Vigilance Medal (2022–)

International mission medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the International Commission for Supervision and Control Medal; Indo-China, 1954–1973
Recipient of the International Commission of Control and Supervision Medal; Vietnam, 1973
Recipient of the Multinational Force and Observers Medal; Sinai, 1982-
Recipient of the European Community Monitor Mission Medal; Yugoslavia, 1991-
Recipient of the International Force East Timor Medal; 1999-2000
Recipient of the European Security and Defence Policy Service Medals

Polar and Volunteer medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Polar Medal
Recipient of the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers

Commemorative medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Canadian Centennial Medal
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal
Recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal

Long service and good conduct medals

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Recipient of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
Recipient of the Canadian Forces' Decoration CD

Exemplary service medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the Police Exemplary Service Medal
Recipient of the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal
Recipient of the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal
Recipient of the Canadian Coast Guard Exemplary Service Medal
Recipient of the Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal
Recipient of the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal

Special medals

Ribbon Honour
Recipient of the King's Medal for Champion Shot

Other decorations and medals

Ribbon Honour Post-nominal letters
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship OMC
Recipient of the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery
Recipient of the Ontario Medal for Firefighters Bravery
Recipient of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal SVM
Recipient of the Ontario Provincial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Recipient of the Service Medal of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
Recipient of the Commissionaires Long Service Medal
Recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Bravery Award
Recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Service Medal
Recipient of the British Columbia Fire Services Bravery Medal
Recipient of the British Columbia Fire Services Long Service Medal
Recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan
Recipient of the Alberta Centennial Medal
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal
  • Commonwealth orders (approved by the King-in-Council)
  • Commonwealth decorations (approved by the King-in-Council)
  • Commonwealth medals (approved by the King-in-Council)
  • Foreign orders (approved by the King-in-Council)
  • Foreign decorations (approved by King-in-Council)
  • Foreign medals (approved by the King-in-Council)

There are a number of honours and medals administered by provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, which are not on the list, such as the Order of Polaris, membership in which is awarded by the government of Yukon's Transportation Hall of Fame. This means that they are not part of the Canadian honours system and their insignia must be worn on the right side of the chest, similar to organizational medals granted by the Royal Canadian Legion or the Canadian Cadet Organizations.

British awards granted prior to 1 June 1972

Any person who, prior to June 1, 1972, was a member of a British order or the recipient of a British decoration or medal may wear the insignia of the decoration or medal together with the insignia of any Canadian order, decoration or medal that the person is entitled to wear, the proper sequence being the following:

Orders and decorations

  • Recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC)
  • Recipient of the George Cross (GC)
  • Recipient of the Cross of Valour (CV)
  • Member of the Order of Merit (OM)
  • Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)
  • Companion of the Order of Canada (CC)
  • Officer of the Order of Canada (OC)
  • Member of the Order of Canada (CM)
  • Commander of the Order of Military Merit (CMM)
  • Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (COM)
  • Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
  • Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
  • Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)
  • Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
  • Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
  • Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM)
  • Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (OOM)
  • Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO)
  • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Companion of the Imperial Service Order (ISO)
  • Member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM)
  • Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (MOM)
  • Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO)
  • Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
  • Member of the Royal Red Cross (RRC)
  • Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
  • Recipient of the Military Cross (MC)
  • Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
  • Recipient of the Air Force Cross (AFC)
  • Recipient of the Star of Military Valour (SMV)
  • Recipient of the Star of Courage (SC)
  • Recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross (MSC)
  • Recipient of the Medal of Military Valour (MMV)
  • Recipient of the Medal of Bravery (MB)
  • Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)
  • Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARRC)
  • (Insert membership grade) of the Order of St John (post-nominal letters only for internal use by the Order of St John)
  • Provincial Orders (order of precedence as set out in current precedence)
  • Recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
  • Recipient of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM)
  • Recipient of the George Medal (GM)
  • Recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
  • Recipient of the Military Medal (MM)
  • Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
  • Recipient of the Air Force Medal (AFM)
  • Recipient of the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
  • Recipient of the Royal Victorian Medal (RVM)
  • Recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM)

War and operational service medals

  • Recipient of the Queen's South Africa Medal (1900–1902)
  • Recipient of the King's South Africa Medal (1902)
  • Recipient of the Africa General Service Medal (1902–56)
  • Recipient of the India General Service Medal (1908–35)
  • Recipient of the Naval General Service Medal (1915–62)
  • Recipient of the India General Service Medal (1936–39)
  • Recipient of the General Service Medal - Army and Air Force (1918–62)
  • Recipient of the General Service Medal (1962–)
  • Recipient of the 1914 Star
  • Recipient of the 1914–15 Star
  • Recipient of the British War Medal (1914–18)
  • Recipient of the Mercantile Marine War Medal (1914–18)
  • Recipient of the Victory Medal (1914–18)
  • Recipient of the Territorial Force War Medal (1914–19)
  • Recipient of the 1939-1945 Star
  • Recipient of the Atlantic Star
  • Recipient of the Air Crew Europe Star
  • Recipient of the Africa Star
  • Recipient of the Pacific Star
  • Recipient of the Burma Star
  • Recipient of the Italy Star
  • Recipient of the France and Germany Star
  • Recipient of the Defence Medal
  • Recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
  • Recipient of the Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal (this award has the same precedence as the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal)
  • Recipient of the War Medal (1939–45)
  • Recipient of the Korea Medal
  • Recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea
  • Recipient of the Gulf and Kuwait Medal
  • Recipient of the Somalia Medal
  • Recipient of the South-West Asia Service Medal
  • Recipient of the General Campaign Star

Special service medals

Order of Precedence as set out above in current precedence

United nations medals

Order of Precedence as set out above in current precedence

International Commission and Organizational medals

Order of Precedence as set out above in current precedence

Polar medals

The order of precedence is the date on which they are awarded.

Commemorative medals

Long service and good conduct medals

  • Recipient of the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Recipient of the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Recipient of the Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Recipient of the RCMP Long Service Medal
  • Recipient of the Volunteer Officer's Decoration (VD)
  • Recipient of the Volunteer Long Service Medal
  • Recipient of the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer's Decoration (VD)
  • Recipient of the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
  • Recipient of the Efficiency Decoration (ED)
  • Recipient of the Efficiency Medal
  • Recipient of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration (VRD)
  • Recipient of the Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
  • Recipient of the Air Efficiency Award
  • Recipient of the Canadian Forces' Decoration (CD)

Exemplary service medals

Order of Precedence as set out above in current precedence

Special medal

  • Recipient of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shot

Other decorations and medals

Order of Precedence as set out above in current precedence

Note—Canadians can still be awarded British Medals as well as Medals from other countries but they must first be approved by the Government of Canada. (See Nickle Resolution) These items are worn at the end of the current order of precedence, and one receiving a British Order, Decoration or Medal after 1 June 1972 will abide by the normal order of precedence, not the one catered to pre-1972 awardings.

See also

  • List of Canadian provincial and territorial orders
  • List of Canadian awards
  • Commonwealth realms orders and decorations
  • Canadian Forces order of precedence
  • 1946 New Year Honours (Canada)
  • 2017 Canada Day Honours
  • 2018 New Year Honours (Canada)
  • 2018 Canada Day Honours
  • 2019 New Year Honours (Canada)
  • 2019 Canada Day Honours
  • 2020 New Year Honours (Canada)

Citations

  1. Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (2017-04-18). "Order of Precedence". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  2. Order-in-Council

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