Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery

The official description, eligibility, criteria, and history of the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery

Context

The Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery is awarded by the Governor General to recognize altruism at personal risk which, while not meeting the criteria for a Canadian Bravery Decoration, is deemed commendable.

This award is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

Military nominations shall be processed through the chain of command in accordance with A-DH-300-000/AG-001 – Canadian Forces Honours Policy Manual.

Eligibility and criteria

The Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery may be awarded to:

• a Canadian citizen; or
• a non-Canadian citizen who:
  1. has performed in Canada an act of bravery; or
  2. has performed outside Canada an act of bravery which merits recognition by Canada as being an act performed in the interest in Canada.

The Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery may be awarded to an eligible person described above who has demonstrated altruism at personal risk which, while not meeting the criteria for a Canadian Bravery Decoration, is deemed commendable by the Canadian Decorations Advisory Committee.

Description

The insignia for the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery is silver and depicts three frosted maples leaves conjoined on one stem, from the royal arms in right of Canada

Bar(s)

Not applicable

Wearing

The insignia is worn on the uniform in accordance with A-AD-265-000/AG-001, Canadian Forces Dress Instructions.

Post-nominals

Not applicable

Historical notes

In 2022, in order to mark the 50^th anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Bravery Decorations by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor General authorized the creation of a new insignia to accompany the Certificate of Commendation created in 1993, which became known as the Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery (GGCB). The announcement was made by Rideau Hall on 28 March 2023.

The Governor General’s Commendation for Bravery is accompanied by a gold-embossed scroll, inscribed with the recipient’s name and an appropriate citation, and signed by the Governor General.

The new insignia is now effective to be presented to future recipients of the GGCB and was also made available to all past recipients of the original Certificate of Commendation.

Some CAF members received the Certificate of Commendation in the past and are eligible to receive and wear the new insignia provide they have not received another wearable award for the same act. Past CAF recipients may contact the Directorate of Honours and Recognition for more details.