Canadian Meritorious Recognition
The purpose of this page is to record the Canadian recognition of exceptional service rendered by members of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Omissions or errors should be brought to the attention of RHQ RCA and the RCA Association Secretary for correction.
Order of Canada
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. The three-tiered order is accorded to those who exemplify the order’s Latin motto, desiderantes meliorem patriam, meaning “they desire a better country”. The members of The Royal Regiment that have been so honoured should be an inspiration to all our members.
Companions of the Order of Canada (post-nominals: CC) have demonstrated the highest degree of merit to Canada and humanity, on either the national or international scene. Up to 15 Companions are appointed annually, with an imposed limit of 165 living Companions at any given time, not including those appointed as extraordinary Companions or in an honorary capacity. Substantive members are the only regular citizens who are empowered to administer the Canadian Oath of Citizenship.
Officers of the Order of Canada (post-nominals: OC) have demonstrated an outstanding level of talent and service to Canadians, and up to 64 may be appointed each year, not including those inducted as extraordinary Officers or in an honorary capacity, with no limit to how many may be living at one time.
Members of the Order of Canada (post-nominals: CM) have made an exceptional contribution to Canada or Canadians at a local or regional level, group, field or activity. As many as 136 Members may be appointed annually, not including extraordinary Members and those inducted on an honorary basis, and there is no limit on how many Members may be living at one time.
Recipients of the Order of Canada
Order of Military Merit
The Order of Military Merit was founded on July 1, 1972 and recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Many have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the Governor General is its Chancellor and a Commander, and the chief of the Defence Staff is its Principal Commander.
Commander of the Order of Military Merit (post-nominals: CMM) recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility.
Officer of the Order of Military Merit (post-nominals: OMM) recognizes outstanding meritorious service in duties of responsibility.
Member of the Order of Military Merit (post-nominals: MMM) recognizes exceptional service or performance of duty.
Recipients of the Order of Military Merit
Royal Victorian Order
Established by Queen Victoria on April 21, 1896, the Royal Victorian Order rewards extraordinary, important or personal services performed for the Sovereign or the Royal Family. The Order may be conferred by The King of Canada to recognize services rendered to the Sovereign or to members of the Royal Family during Royal visits to Canada. There are three levels within the Order: Commanders, Lieutenants and Members.
Recipients of the Royal Victorian Order.
Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem recognizes Canadians who have performed or are prepared to perform good services for the Order, mainly through its two foundations, the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade.
Recipients of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem
Provincial Orders
Provincial Orders are established by each province to honour residents for actions or deeds that benefit their local community or province and are in turn subsumed within the Canadian honours system.
Recipients of Provincial Orders
Meritorious Service Cross
The Meritorious Service Cross (post-nominals: MSC) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.
Recipients of the Meritorious Service Cross
Medal of Miltary Valour
The Medal of Military Valour (post-nominals: MMV) is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
Recipients of the Medal of Military Valour
Medal of Bravery
The Medal of Bravery (post-nominals: MB) was created in 1972 and recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Recipients of the Medal of Bravery
Meritorious Service Medal
The Meritorious Service Medal (post-nominals: MSM) was created on 6 June 1991 and recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.
Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country and celebrates a wide range of voluntary contributions. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes living Canadians who have made a significant, sustained, and unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad. Non-Canadians are also eligible if their contribution brings benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.
Recipients of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
Mention in Dispatches
Mention in Dispatches shall be awarded for valiant conduct, devotion to duty, or other distinguished service.to Canada.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces on active service and other individuals working with or in conjunction with the Canadian Forces are eligible for the award of the insignia.
Recipients Mentioned in Dispatches
Departmental Awards
Departmental Awards are intended to recognize deeds or activities beyond the demand of normal duty. They include the CDS Commendation, Minister of Veteran Affairs Commendation and Command Commendations.
Recipients of Departmental Awards
