Cities, ridings and provinces across the country have recognized thousands of their residents with custom-made medals privately struck for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.
Bucking a decades-old tradition, Canada’s federal government did not issue medals to mark the 70th anniversary of the queen’s rule in 2022 – unlike the medals handed out for her silver, gold and diamond jubilees in 1977, 2002 and 2012, respectively.
“They recognize citizens, grassroots … not just the big shots,” Michael Jackson, the president of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, told CBC News this spring. “They are (a) golden opportunity for our country through the sovereign to recognize the unsung heroes and heroines.”
For past jubilees, the feds typically recognized several thousand Canadians for significant contributions and achievements.
For past jubilees, the feds typically recognized several thousand Canadians for significant contributions and achievements; however, this year, people were simply directed to apply for a pin from the Monarchist League of Canada, a non-profit advocacy organization.
In several provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, various levels of government have taken to honouring their constituents with their own medals.