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The Meritorious Service Decorations are awarded to members of the Canadian and Allied Forces, to persons serving in conjunction with the Canadian Forces, or other persons, Canadian and foreigners. There is a military division and a civil division, each containing a Cross and a Medal. Meritorious Service Decorations may be awarded posthumously, but the deed or activity must have occurred on or after June 11, 1984, the creation date of the first decoration.
The Meritorious Service Cross (military division)
was created in 1984. It recognizes a military deed or activity
that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner,
according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or
great honour to the Canadian Forces.
The Meritorious Service Cross (civil division) was created in
1991. It recognizes a deed or activity performed in an outstandingly
professional manner or according to an uncommonly high standard that
brings considerable benefit or great honour to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Cross consists of a Greek cross of silver, ends splayed and convexed, ensigned with the Royal Crown. On the obverse appear a maple leaf within a circle and a laurel wreath between the arms. Recipients of the Cross are entitled to use the letters "M.S.C." after their names.
The Meritorious Service
Medal (military division) was created in 1991. It recognizes a
military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly
professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or
honour to the Canadian Forces.
The Meritorious Service Medal (civil division) was created in
1991. It recognizes the performance of a deed or activity performed in a
highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings
benefit or honour to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Medal consists of a circular medal of silver ensigned with the Royal Crown. On the obverse appears the design of the Cross. On the reverse of both appear the Royal Cypher and, within a double circle, the words "Meritorious Service Mėritoire". Recipients are entitled to use the letters "M.S.M." after their names.
The Chief of the Defence Staff establishes the procedure for the submission of names of persons eligible for the decorations of the military division, while any person may submit, in writing, to the Director of Honours, The Chancellery, the name of an eligible person for the decorations of the civil division.
Two advisory committees have the task of assessing the merits of persons nominated to receive a meritorious service decoration. The Military Advisory Committee is composed of a member appointed by the Governor General and five members of the Canadian Forces appointed by the Chief of the Defence Staff. The Civil Advisory Committee is composed of a member of the Governor General's staff and a senior representative from the Privy Council Office and from the Departments of Canadian Heritage, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and National Defence.
Awards are made by the Governor General on the advice of the Committees and the names of the recipients and citations are published in the Canada Gazette.
The Meritorious Service Decorations are part of the Canadian Honours System, established in 1967.
(April 1995)
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