Insignia
Insignia worn by the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
Encouraging excellence is one of a governor general’s responsibilities. Governor generals present honours and awards to recognize people who have demonstrated valour, bravery, excellence or exceptional dedication to service that brings credit to the country. Upon taking office, each governor general is presented with specific honours. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette may wear the following insignia in this order of precedence:
The Order of Canada
The Order of Canada was created on July 1, 1967, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, and the governor general is its Chancellor and Principal Companion.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette was appointed to the Order as an Officer in 2010, and became an Extraordinary Companion, as well as the Order’s Chancellor and Principal Companion, upon taking office. The collar of Chancellor of the Order was presented to her at the time of her installation. As an Extraordinary Companion, she is entitled to place the post-nominal letters “C.C.” after her name.
The Order of Military Merit
The Order of Military Merit was created on July 1, 1972, to recognize distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the governor general is its Chancellor, and the Chief of the Defence Staff is its Principal Commander.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette became an Extraordinary Commander of the Order, as well as its Chancellor, upon taking office. The collar of Chancellor of the Order was presented to her at the time of her installation. As an Extraordinary Commander, she is entitled to place the post-nominal letters “C.M.M.” after her name.
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces
The Order of Merit of the Police Forces was created on October 3, 2000, to recognize the leadership and exceptional service or distinctive merit displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Police Services, and to recognize their commitment to this country. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Order’s Sovereign, the governor general is its Chancellor, and the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is its Principal Commander.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette became a Commander of the Order, as well as its Chancellor, upon taking office. The collar of Chancellor of the Order was presented to her at the time of her installation. As a Commander, she is entitled to place the post-nominal letters “C.O.M.” after her name.
Ordre national du Québec (Order of Quebec)
The Ordre national du Québec was created on June 20, 1984, to honour individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to building and revitalizing Québec society. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette was appointed to the Order as a Knight in 2000. As a Knight, she is entitled to place the post-nominal letters “C.Q.” after her name.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
Created in 2012 to mark 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 was a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. This commemorative medal also served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette received the medal in 2012.
The Canadian Forces Decoration
The Canadian Forces Decoration was created in 1949 to recognize 12 years of service and good conduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. As commander-in-chief of Canada, the governor general is entitled to receive the medal. It was presented to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette by the Chief of the Defence Staff upon taking office. As a recipient of the medal, she is entitled to place the post-nominal letters “C.D.” after her name.
At official ceremonies, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette may wear the following insignia: Companion of the Order of Canada, Knight of the Ordre national du Québec, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration (these last three being mounted together and worn on the left side of the chest). For military or police events, she may wear the insignia of Commander of the Order of Military Merit or Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in place of that of the Order of Canada. For investitures, she may also wear the collar of office as Chancellor of the appropriate Order.
Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
The Canadian Heraldic Authority was created on June 4, 1988, as a result of the Royal Letters Patent granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The ceremonial collar indicates the governor general’s role as head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the body responsible for creating and recording coats of arms, flags and badges in Canada. It is presented to the governor general as part of the installation ceremony.
