Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

Canadians from every walk of life provide outstanding volunteer service to Veterans, their communities and their country. In April 2001, the Governor General authorized the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to formally recognize these Canadians’ contributions.

The Governor General Warrant states the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation be "...awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community and/or individuals who represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans."

The Commendation is awarded annually to deserving recipients.

Insignia and Wear

The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy—a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war—and the Royal Crown on the top of the pin.

A recipient may wear the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation bar on their blazer, formal wear, etc., on occasions appropriate for wearing medals. A recipient should wear the bar below their official decorations.

A recipient may wear the Commendation lapel pin on civilian dress at any time.

Eligibility

Type of service to Veterans

We recognize the diverse scope and range of work performed in contribution to the care and well-being of Veterans, or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

Nominees

Eligible recipients must be:

  • an individual, not a group or couple, of any age;
  • a volunteer who made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their Veteran community; and
  • a Canadian citizen or permanent Canadian resident when nominated.

Posthumous award

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation recognizes the efforts of living individuals. In the unfortunate circumstance a nominee is approved to receive this award, but passes away before the award has been presented, they may receive the award posthumously.

Frequency

Individuals may only receive the Minister’s Commendation once.

You may nominate an individual for the Commendation once in a given year. If a nomination is not successful, you may resubmit it for consideration in a subsequent year.

Recipients

 
Last Name First Name Year Location
Metcalfe Robert 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Michaud Eugene 2003 Alymer, Quebec
Moar Frederick F. 2003 Miramichi, New Brunswick
Montague Martin J. 2003 Nepean, Ontario
Murphy Charles (Chuck) 2003 Vancouver, British Columbia
Murray Larry 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Parks Allan R. 2003 Miscouche, Prince Edward Island
Phillips Orville 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Rasmussen Alf 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Rioux André 2003 Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec
Rolfe Charles Vernon W. 2003 Kinburn, Ontario
Schiefke Peter Christopher 2003 Montréal, Quebec
Sloan Hallie 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Smith E.A. 2003 Vancouver, British Columbia
Smith Percival J. 2003 Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Spénard Robert Lucien 2003 Ottawa, Ontario
Sutherland J. Russ 2003 Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Vennat Pierre 2003 Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec
Volterman Frank B. 2003 Hamilton, Ontario
Wilcox Jack 2003 Kars, Ontario
Beal A. Lynne 2002 Toronto, Ontario
Cassels Robert R. 2002 Stratford, Ontario
Chadderton H. Clifford 2002 Ottawa, Ontario
Christie Charles S. (Stu) 2002 Montréal, Quebec
Davis James L. 2002 Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador