The Canadian Honours System

This full-colour illustrated book recounts the history of Canada's various national orders, decorations, and medals.

This updated, full-colour illustrated book recounts the history of Canada’s various national orders, decorations, and medals. This expanded and updated edition of The Canadian Honours System surveys the history of Canada’s various orders, decorations, and medals, from New France’s Croix de St. Louis, Britain’s the Order of the Bath, to modern Canadian honours such as the Sacrifice Medal and recently created Polar Medal. Since the establishment of the Order of Canada in 1967, the Canadian honours system has grown to become one of the most comprehensive in the world — with more than 300,000 Canadians having been rewarded over the past fifty years. Each honour in the modern Canadian honours system, and its precursor, the British imperial honours system, is examined here in detail, including historical background, design, and criteria for bestowal. With special chapters on heraldry, protocol, and the proper mounting and wearing of medals, The Canadian Honours System is an essential reference for anyone interested in Canadian honours.

In 1966, a project to create a national honour for Canadians was begun. The order recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievements, dedication, and service to the country. It is a product of national identity, politics, and history, and includes such individuals as Atom Egoyan, Joseph Boyden, and Louise Arbour. The second edition of The Order of Canada continues the celebration of the order. Christopher McCreery sheds new light on the development of Canadian honours in the early 1930s, the imposed prohibition on honours from 1946 to 1967, and new details on those who have been removed or resigned from the Order. Extensively illustrated, The Order of Canada pays tribute to the individuals who felt the need for a system of recognition for Canadians. Indeed, the order’s history is as fascinating as the more than four thousand Canadians who have received it.

For more than 40 years Canadian orders, decorations, and medals have been used to recognize exemplary citizens for their outstanding contributions to our country and to the world. Although Canada is a relatively young country, we are fortunate to have one of the most comprehensive honours systems in the world. With the Order of Canada at its centre, the Canadian honours system includes the Victoria Cross, Star of Courage, Order of St. John, General Campaign Star, Canadian Forces Decoration, and a wide variety of other awards. From the honours of New France to the many British medals awarded to Canadians prior to 1967, the various elements of the modern Canadian honours system are explained. This short book, rich with illustrations and photos, provides an easy-to-understand overview of Canadian honours, who has received them, and how they are bestowed. The book also includes a wearing guide.

A celebration in medals of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years as our monarch. On the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada, Canada has followed a long tradition of recommending to Her Majesty the institution of a commemorative medal to mark this auspicious milestone. Commemorative Medals of The Queen’s Reign in Canada, 1952-2012 examines in detail this element of the Canadian honours system. This short and accessible work provides the reader with an interesting and informative study of the honours that have recognized nearly a quarter of a million Canadians over the past six decades. Fully illustrated in colour, the book recounts the history and development of the commemorative medals awarded during The Queen’s 60 years as monarch.

In 1966, a project to create a national honour for Canadians was begun. The first recipients of the Order of Canada were announced a year later, and in the nearly forty years since, the Order has become a symbol familiar to, and respected by, people from across the country. The spirit that motivates the Order of Canada - celebration, inclusion, and democracy - was born of the memories of Canada's earlier experience with honours. From initial distrust and misunderstanding to the awakening of a national identity, the development of the Order reflects the relationship Canadians have with their country, their government, their culture, and their heroes. The Order itself is a product of national identity, politics, and history, reflected by the significance of its recipients' accomplishments. Indeed, the Order's history is as fascinating as the more than 4000 Canadians who have received it. This first book-length history of the Order of Canada - and first major work on Canadian honours - by Christopher McCreery is a celebration of the Order and a close examination of its unique design and various early incarnations. McCreery provides both a history of the Order's beginnings and a more general overview of trends in Canadian honours. Extensively illustrated with never-before-published photographs, The Order of Canada: Its Origins, History, and Developments pays tribute to the individuals who felt the need for a system of recognition for Canadians.

Royal recognition in Canada is accorded through a variety of honours and awards, including the Royal Victorian Order, Medal, and Chain; Vice-Regal and Commissioners’ Commendations; and Vice-Regal and Commissioners’ Recognition Badges. On Her Majesty’s Service examines the history and development of these marks of honour from the Crown in detail and also provides complete lists of Canadian recipients and a section on heraldry. The Royal Victorian Order and Medal have been used since 1896 to honour Canadians who have rendered extraordinary or personal services to the Sovereign, while the Royal Victorian Chain was instituted in 1902. The Vice-Regal and Commissioners’ Commendations are valuable awards presented by lieutenant-governors and territorial commissioners for important services to a viceregal or territorial commissioner; lieutenant-governors, territorial commissioners, and their spouses are accorded royal recognition through the Vice-Regal and Commissioners’ Recognition Badges.

The Treaty of Niagara extended the ancient Silver Covenant Chain of Friendship, establishing the key relationships between the Crown and First Nations in what would become Canada. As the country works to repair its broken relationship with First Nations, demands are growing for representatives of the Crown to take an active role in this effort.