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Canadians from every walk of life provide outstanding volunteer service to Veterans, their communities and their country. In April 2001, the Governor General authorized the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to formally recognize these Canadians’ contributions.
The Governor General Warrant states the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation be "...awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community and/or individuals who represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans."
The Commendation is awarded annually to deserving recipients.
Insignia and Wear
The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy—a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war—and the Royal Crown on the top of the pin.
A recipient may wear the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation bar on their blazer, formal wear, etc., on occasions appropriate for wearing medals. A recipient should wear the bar below their official decorations.
A recipient may wear the Commendation lapel pin on civilian dress at any time.
Eligibility
Type of service to Veterans
We recognize the diverse scope and range of work performed in contribution to the care and well-being of Veterans, or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.
Nominees
Eligible recipients must be:
- an individual, not a group or couple, of any age;
- a volunteer who made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their Veteran community; and
- a Canadian citizen or permanent Canadian resident when nominated.
Posthumous award
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation recognizes the efforts of living individuals. In the unfortunate circumstance a nominee is approved to receive this award, but passes away before the award has been presented, they may receive the award posthumously.
Frequency
Individuals may only receive the Minister’s Commendation once.
You may nominate an individual for the Commendation once in a given year. If a nomination is not successful, you may resubmit it for consideration in a subsequent year.