Role and Responsibilities

Encourage Excellence

May 3, 2013

Each year, hundreds of Canadians earn our applause and gratitude: from community volunteers to astronauts, from actors to members of the military, from scholars to everyday citizens. One of the governor general’s responsibilities is to present honours and awards on behalf of all Canadians, thereby recognizing individuals who have demonstrated excellence, courage or dedication in ways that bring special credit to this country. Granting honours is a gracious, tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to exceptional achievements.

Among them, the Order of Canada recognizes sustained contributions to Canada; the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize exceptional deeds or activities; the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award recognizes selfless volunteerism; and the Decorations for Bravery recognize acts of courage performed in dangerous situations.

Since Confederation, Canada’s governors general have fostered a tradition of encouraging excellence by establishing more than 60 awards and trophies in the arts, social sciences, humanities and sports.

The Governor General is also Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which recognizes the contributions of Canadian individuals and corporate bodies through the granting of coats of arms, flags and badges as part of the National honours system.

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