“To coincide with the centennial of Canadian Confederation,
the three-tiered order was established in 1967 as a fellowship that
recognizes the outstanding merit or distinguished service of Canadians
who make a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in
every field of endeavour, as well as the efforts by non-Canadians who
have made the world better by their actions. Membership is accorded to
those who exemplify the order’s Latin motto, desiderantes meliorem patriam, meaning “they desire a better country”, a phrase taken from Hebrews 11:16.[2]
The three tiers of the order are Companion, Officer, and Member;
specific individuals may be given extraordinary membership and deserving
non-Canadians may receive honorary appointment into each grade.”
