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Every day, remarkable individuals contribute to northern communities and to our knowledge of the polar regions. See who is eligible to receive the Polar Medal.

Any person or group can submit a nomination of a person who is eligible to be awarded the Polar Medal. Nominations are received by the Chancellery of Honours throughout the year and are reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the governor general. Completed nominations may ...

Over 150 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the governor general of Canada. They mark visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of State and other dignitaries. They also are planted for special anniversaries and at the end of a governor general’s manda...

The pattern of interlaced diagonal stripes symbolizes the central role of family and other relationships in Mr. Johnston’s life, as well as his interest in communication networks and his belief in the interconnectedness of knowledge.

The governor general acts on behalf of His Majesty The King to uphold our system of responsible government.

As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the governor general plays a major role in recognizing the importance of Canada’s military at home and abroad.

The governor general represents Canada at home and abroad and carries out the duties of the head of State on behalf of the Sovereign.

Through the presentation of honours, decorations and awards, the governor general recognizes those who have had a positive impact on their communities and on Canada, and encourages others to be inspired by them and to follow in their footsteps.

The governor general fosters unity by bringing Canadians from all parts of the country and all walks of life together in common cause.

On this pageSwearing-In CeremonySwearing-In of a MinistrySwearing-In of Privy CouncillorsOfficial OathsGreat Seal of CanadaSwearing-In CeremonyWhen a new government is formed, the governor general presides over the swearing-in of the prime minister of Canada and members of their Ministry during a ce...

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal was created in 1934, and may be awarded to any officer, non-commissioned officer or constable who is of irreproachable character and who has completed not less than 20 years of service with good conduct. This program is managed by the Royal Canadi...

The Canadian Forces Decoration, created in 1949, recognizes completion of 12 years of good service in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Governor General is Commander-in-Chief of Canada and as such, is awarded the Decoration upon taking office.

The Canadian Honours System has rules in regards to the Order of Precedence of its various honours.

The Sacrifice Medal was created to provide a tangible and lasting form of recognition for the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces and those who work with them who have been wounded or killed under honourable circumstances as a direct result of a hostile action or action intended ...

The Queen's Medal for Champion Shot was originally created under the British Honours System. In June 1968, after the unification of the Canadian Forces, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gave her approval for the granting in Canada of the British Queen's Medal for Champion Shot. However, it wasn't unti...

Her Majesty The Queen created the Mention in Dispatches on June 3, 1991, to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces on active service and other individuals working in conjunction with the Canadian Armed Forces on or after November 1, 1990. The award recognizes valiant conduct, devotion to duty o...

Created in 2002, this commendation is awarded to groups of Canadian Armed Forces members that have performed an extraordinary deed or activity of a rare high standard in extremely hazardous circumstances.

Created in 1999, these commendations are presented to recognize long-term or outstanding service to Canada’s Viceregal offices.

Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Medal in April 1896 as a reward for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. The Medal is conferred upon civilians and non-commissioned military personnel. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian...