All living Canadians, except federal and provincial politicians and judges while holding office
Criteria
The highest degree of merit, an outstanding level of talent and service, or an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity
Status
Currently constituted
Founder
Elizabeth II
Sovereign
Charles III
Chancellor and Principal Companion
Governor General of Canada
Grades
Companion (CC)
Officer (OC)
Member (CM)
Former grades
Medal of Service
Medal of Courage
Statistics
First induction
1 July 1967
Total inductees
8,375 (as of January 2024[update])[1]
Precedence
Next (higher)
Member of the Order of Merit
Next (lower)
Commander of the Order of Military Merit
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The Order of Canada (French: Ordre du Canada) is a Canadian state order and the second-highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, after the Order of Merit.
To coincide with the centennial of Canadian Confederation, the three-tiered order was established in 1967 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, meaning "they desire a better country", a phrase taken from Hebrews 11:16.[2] The three tiers of the order are Companion, Officer and Member. Specific people may be given 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 on his behalf as Chancellor and Principal Companion.[3] Appointees to the order are recommended by an advisory board and formally inducted by the governor general or the sovereign. As of January 2024[update], 8,375 people have been appointed to the Order,[1] including scientists, musicians, politicians, artists, athletes, business people, film stars and benefactors. Some have resigned or have been removed from the order, while other appointments have been controversial. Appointees are presented with insignia and receive the right to armorial bearings.
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^ ab"Recipients: Refine by: Order of Canada". The Governor General of Canada. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
^Department of Canadian Heritage, Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion > The arms of Canada > The Proclamation, archived from the original on 28 February 2009, retrieved 24 July 2009
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