Governor General Julie Payette unveiled more than 100 new appointees to the Order of Canada late last month.
One of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada was created in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since then, more than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order as either companions, officers or members.
Designed in 1966 by Bruce Beatty, the Order insignia features a stylized, hexagonal snowflake shape with a red annulus at its centre bearing a stylized maple leaf. The annulus is circumscribed with the Order’s motto – “DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM” (Latin for “They desire a better country”) – and is surmounted by the royal crown.
Struck in Fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint’s Ottawa facility, the insignia comprises three individual pieces – the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf – with colour added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent enamel.
The reverse is plain except for the word “CANADA,” and the ribbon is white and bordered in red stripes – similar to the Canadian flag.
Among the 114 appointees announced this November are eight companions, 21 officers, one honorary member and 84 members. Each recipient has been invited to accept their insignia during a ceremony at a later date.
To read the recipients’ citations, visit bit.ly/33RZQm0.