Civil Division
The Meritorious Service Cross is a silver Greek cross, ends splayed and convexed, bearing the Royal Crown: on one side appears a maple leaf within a circle and a laurel wreath between the arms, and on the other appears the Royal Cypher, and within a double circle the inscription MERITORIOUS SERVICE MÉRITOIRE.
The Meritorious Service Medal is a circular silver medal bearing the Royal Crown: on one side of which appears the design of the Cross, and on the other appears the Royal Cypher, and within a double circle the inscription MERITORIOUS SERVICE MÉRITOIRE.
In March 2013, astronaut Chris Hadfield, O.C., O. Ont., M.S.C., C.D., became the first Canadian to assume command of the International Space Station (ISS).
Since January 2011, Clara Hughes, O.C., O.M., M.S.C., has worked tirelessly to help raise national awareness in support of mental health initiatives.
Thérèse Tanguay Dion, M.S.M., is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of countless students in Quebec through the organization that she established in 2006.
Colette Roy Laroche, M.S.C., showed remarkable leadership in her role as the town’s mayor after the devastating train derailment that occurred on July 6, 2013, in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.
Sarah Burke, M.S.C. (posthumous), was a leading pioneer in women’s freestyle skiing and lobbied tirelessly for years to have women included in all major freestyle ski competitions. The decoration awarded to the late Sarah Burke was presented to her husband, Mr. Rory Bushfield.
Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) are given to recognize remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts.
Past recipients have tackled poverty in their community, improved education opportunities for children in Canada and abroad, or raised awareness of important causes and issues.
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Read through the selection criteria below and nominate someone today!
Meritorious Service Cross (M.S.C.)
The Civil Division Cross recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, or with uncommonly high standards; the activity is often innovative, sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada.
Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.)
The Civil Division recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner, or according to a very high standard: often innovative, this deed or activity sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings benefit or honour to Canada.
Do you have questions about the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division)? Please write to MSD-DSM@gg.ca or call 1-800-465-6890 (toll-free).
