Frequently Asked Questions
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Why was the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal created?
A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. The medal program is part of the Jubilee year celebrations, organized by the Government of Canada.
Why are commemorative medals established?
Commemorative medals are established from time to time to mark special anniversaries or occasions. They are typically awarded to recognize contributions made by Canadians from a broad spectrum of society. Other commemorative medals created in Canada include the Canadian Centennial Medal (1967); the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977); the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal (1992); and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002).
For more information, please visit the Honours section of our website and click on the Commemorative Medals tab.
Where will the medal be listed in the Canadian order of precedence?
In the Canadian order of precedence for orders, decorations and medals, the Diamond Jubilee Medal shall follow all national and provincial orders, decorations and military service medals. It follows the Commemorative Medal for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and precedes the RCMP Long Service Medal, the Canadian Forces’ Decoration and the Exemplary Service Medals. The complete list of precedence for orders, decorations and medals is available here.
Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients must wear their insignia according to the rules presented in the booklet Information and Wearing Guide.
Who is responsible for the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program?
The Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, is administering the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program.
Who will be recognized by the medal?
During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada. To be eligible for this honour, a person must:
- be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada;
- have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and
- be alive on February 6th, 2012, the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. The medal can be awarded posthumously, as long as the recipient was alive on that date.
What is the nomination process?
To ensure that every field of activity is recognized, partner organizations have been invited to nominate candidates from their community or organization for this national honour.
Members of the general public are welcome to contact the offices of members of Parliament, senators, lieutenant governors, territorial commissioners, or provincial and territorial premiers to suggest names of candidates.
Recommendations can also be made for individuals affiliated with nongovernmental organizations participating in this program. The list of partner organizations that can submit nominations are posted in the Partner Login section.
What is the deadline for partner organizations to submit nominations?
The deadline for partner organizations to submit nominations is December 31, 2012.
Why were partner organizations invited to nominate candidates?
To ensure that the awarding of this national honour is done in an inclusive manner and on a large scale, partner organizations were identified to nominate candidates from their community or organization.
How were the partner organizations identified?
The Government of Canada has identified and invited partnering organizations, including non-governmental organizations at the national, provincial and community levels, to participate in the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program. Members of Parliament, senators, lieutenant governors, territorial commissioners, and provincial and territorial premiers have also been invited to nominate deserving candidates for this national honour. These partners, from various fields of endeavour, will recognize Canadians who, like Her Majesty, have dedicated themselves to service to their fellow citizens, their community and their country.
How will the medals be allocated to partner organizations?
The Letters patent governing the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program were published in the Canada Gazette on February 4, 2012. The detailed allocation of the medal to partner organizations can be found in this document, which is available at the following address: http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2012-02-04/html/order-decret-eng.html.
Once recipients are selected, how will they receive their medal?
Partner organizations are encouraged to hold presentation ceremonies for recipients after February 6, 2012, the actual date of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the Throne. The format and the scale of these ceremonies are left to their discretion. It is also each organization’s responsibility to contact and invite recipients to presentation ceremonies.
All medals should be presented by February 28, 2013, the date on which the Diamond Jubilee Medal program will close.
Detailed information concerning the organization and preparation of presentation ceremonies will be sent to partner organizations in due course.
When will the first medals be presented?
The inaugural presentation ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee Medal took place on February 6, 2012, marking the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
What is the design of the medal?
The obverse depicts a crowned image of the Sovereign, in whose name the medal is bestowed. The reverse marks the sixtieth, or diamond, anniversary of the accession to the Throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The anniversary is expressed by the central diamond shape, by the background composed of a pattern of diamonds, and by the two dates. The Royal Cypher consists of the Royal Crown above the letters EIIR (i.e., Elizabeth II Regina, the latter word meaning Queen in Latin). The maple leaves refer to Canada, while the motto VIVAT REGINA means “Long live The Queen!”
The ribbon uses a new arrangement of the blue, red and white colours found in the 1953 Coronation Medal, the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal.
Who designed the medal?
The design of the medal was developed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, at the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
What is the composition of the medal?
The medal is composed of nickel silver and features a proof finish.
Who will manufacture the medal?
The medal will be manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at their Ottawa facility. For more information about the Royal Canadian Mint, please visit www.mint.ca.
Who is responsible for Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012?
The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the Diamond Jubilee program and celebrations in 2012, in honour of The Queen's 60-year reign, her service and dedication to this country, and showcasing Canadian achievements of the last 60 years. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program, administered by the Chancellery of Honours, is part of these celebrationsFor more information on the upcoming celebrations, please visit www.diamondjubilee.pch.gc.ca.
What is the purpose of the official emblem for the Diamond Jubilee?
The official emblem will be the visual which will be associated with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. It was inspired by the 2002 Golden Jubilee emblem and is a symbolic statement of the enduring relationship between Canada and The Crown, as personified by Her Majesty The Queen, Canada’s Head of State. For more information on this emblem, please visit www.diamondjubilee.pch.gc.ca.
For inquiries about commemorative medals, please complete a submission form or call 613-993-8200 or 1-800-465-6890 (toll-free).
