Context

The medal was awarded to those making a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, or to Canada. Persons deceased prior to 01 January 1992 were not eligible for consideration. This commemorative medal program is now closed. This medal is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

Eligibility and Criteria

Military nominees were selected by the chain of command based on merit. This medal program is closed.

Description

The medal is circular in form, made of copper and zinc alloy, rhodium plated (appears bright silver), 1.42 inches (36 mm) in diameter.

on the obverse, The Royal Cypher (EIIR) surmounted by a crown superimposed on a large single maple leaf, circumscribed with the legend CONFEDERATION CONFÉDÉRATION and the dates 1867 - 1992 at the bottom.

on the reverse, the shield of arms of Canada encircled by the motto ribbon of the Order of Canada (which contains the words DESIDERANTE MELIOREM PATRIAM) ensigned by the central portion of the crest of Canada (a crowned lion holding a maple leaf in the right front paw) and circumscribed with the motto A MARI USQUE AD MARE at the bottom.

A claw at the top of the medal attaches to a straight bar, with a maple leaf at the top of the claw where the claw attaches to the bar.

The ribbon is white with edges of blue and five red stripes equally spaced between the two blue stripes. It is similar to the Centennial Medal ribbon except it has blue edges and one extra red stripe. The red and white are the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921, the blue borders symbolize the motto of Canada A MARI USQUE AD MARE (From sea to sea) and the five thin red stripes each represent a quarter century for one hundred and twenty five years.

Bars

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:

on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and before the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

Postnomials

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.

Historical Notes

There were 42,000 issued, of which 4,000 were awarded to members of the Canadian Forces.

The medal was designed by Bruce Beatty.