Nominations are now open! Coronation Medal to recognize Defence Team members

May 6, 2024 - Defence Stories

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The medal features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as the Royal Cypher. The medal’s blue, red and white ribbon is evocative of the 1902 Edward VII Coronation Medal, one of the earliest coronation medals awarded to Canadians. The Canadian Heraldic Authority is responsible for the design of the medal, which was approved by His Majesty the King.

Last year it was announced that the Government of Canada would award 30,000 Coronation Medals to Canadians who have “made a significant contribution to Canada, a province, territory, region or community, or an achievement abroad that brings benefit or honour to Canadians or Canada.” The design of this newest medal was unveiled on May 6, 2024, and commemorates the historic Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Of the 30,000 medals, 4,000 are being dedicated to the recognition of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and 1,000 for Government of Canada public service employees, including those in the Department of National Defence, representing the full breadth of our Defence Team.

CAF nominations will be made in accordance with the criteria approved by the Chief of the Defence Staff in consultation with the Armed Forces Management Board, and using selection guidelines so that recipients reflect the diversity of the military. The allocation of medals for public service employees within DND will be administered by the Corporate Awards and Recognition Team at ADM(HR-Civ).

For CAF members, the selection will be made using a process similar to the Order of Military Merit, with a focus on recognizing lower ranks and ensuring equitable distribution within nominating commands. Specific instructions were sent out in a Canadian Forces General Message (CANFORGEN), on May 6 2024, outlining both the selection criteria and process. Commands are still expected to communicate the details of the CANFORGEN to their units and seek nominations.

The deadline for commands to submit their nominations to the Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) is September 6, 2024. The Coronation Medal will be administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. Once all nominations are evaluated and approved, medals will then be provided by DH&R to commands for presentation.

Note that a nomination does not guarantee a medal. Any questions on honours administration and general honours policy may be addressed to your chain of command.

The Defence Team takes great pride in our association with His Majesty. As Canada’s King, King Charles III is the Commander-in-Chief of the CAF and has been part of Canada’s military for over 45 years. Our Governor General, Mary Simon, represents him in Canada.

• King Charles III’s Coronation Medal - Canada.ca
• His Majesty King Charles III - Canada.ca
• Medals and awards - Canada.ca
• Honours and recognition publications - Canada.ca
• Chapter 1 – Honours and awards to individuals - Canada.ca
• Annex A – Canadian Forces Honours Policy Committee - Terms of reference - Canada.ca