Canadian order of precedence (decorations and medals)


The following is the Canadian order of precedence for decorations and medals. Where applicable, post-nominal letters are indicated.

Awards of valour

National orders

Provincial orders

Territorial orders

National decorations

National medals

Not included in order of precedence

Certain national medals are recognized as a part of the Canadian honours system but are not included in the Order in Council that sets out the precedence of honours, decorations, and medals in Canada.

War and operational service medals

Special service medals

United Nations medals

Not included in order of precedence

Certain United Nations medals are recognized as a part of the Canadian honours system but are not included in the Order in Council that sets out the precedence of honours, decorations, and medals in Canada.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals

International mission medals

Polar and Volunteer Medals

Commemorative medals

Long service and good conduct medals

Exemplary service medals

Special medals

Other decorations and medals

Any person who, prior to June 1, 1972, was a member of a British order or the recipient of a British decoration or medal may wear the insignia of the decoration or medal together with the insignia of any Canadian order, decoration or medal that the person is entitled to wear, the proper sequence being the following:

Orders and decorations

United nations medals

International Commission and Organizational medals

Polar medals

The order of precedence is the date on which they are awarded.

Commemorative medals

Special medal

Note—Canadians can still be awarded British Medals as well as Medals from other countries but they must first be approved by the Government of Canada. These items are worn at the end of the current order of precedence, and one receiving a British Order, Decoration or Medal after 1 June 1972 will abide by the normal order of precedence, not the one catered to pre-1972 awardings.