Her Majesty The Queen created the Mention in Dispatches on June 3, 1991, to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces on active service and other individuals working in conjunction with the Canadian Armed Forces on or after November 1, 1990. The award recognizes valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service in combat or near-combat conditions.

The governor general awards Mentions in Dispatches on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff, while presentations are normally made by senior military officials on behalf of the governor general.

Mentions in Dispatches may be awarded posthumously.

The insignia consists of a bronze oak leaf and is worn horizontally on the designated ribbon, with the stalk of the oak leaf farthest from the left shoulder.

This program is managed by the Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) at the Department of National Defence. The Chancellery of Honours, on behalf of the Governor General, is responsible for the administration of the award of all Canadian honours. However, for many military service medals, this responsibility has been delegated to DH&R, which processes nominations for these medals. For more information, please visit the DH&R website.