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The first medals of the Governor General were awarded in Canada, in 1873, for achievement in fields such as marksmanship, skating, cricket and aquatics. The Earl of Dufferin, the third Governor General after Confederation, wishing to encourage scholarship across the New Dominion, inaugurated what has now become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution may receive - the Governor General's Academic Medal. This aim was fostered by each of his successors and, with the vast growth in the number of educational institutions across Canada, the number of medals presented annually has increased steadily.
There are four levels of the award, each reflecting the highest academic standing achieved at the various levels of study: Gold at the graduate level; Silver at the undergraduate level; Collegiate Bronze at the postsecondary, diploma level; and Bronze at the secondary school level.
Determining eligibility is based on specific standards to be met at the various levels of award. Secondary schools must follow the provincial syllabus and go to the final year of secondary education according to provincial standard. Colleges are defined as postsecondary institutions, recognized by the Province, which follow an approved syllabus and offer a minimum two-year programme leading to the granting of a diploma. A university must be empowered to grant degrees by its Province and must belong to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Federated universities may only award the medal to a student enrolled in the discipline(s) for which they have retained the right to grant degrees.
This Medal is awarded by His Excellency the Right Honourable Roméo LeBlanc.
The obverse side profiles Their Excellencies.
The reverse side shows the Coat of Arms and motto of His Excellency - SEMPER AMISSOS MEMINISSE DECET - let us remember those that society tends to forget.
In February 1975, Mr. Freeman Clowery, Archivist of the Bank of Montreal, presented his private collection of these medals to Government House, Ottawa, where they are now on display.
(January 1996)
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