B.C.’s highest honour recognizes 14 British Columbians (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

Karen van Marum

Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Karen.vanMarum@gov.bc.ca
250 889-3664

Backgrounders

Order of British Columbia

Established in 1989 by statute, the Order of British Columbia represents the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens. Since its inception, 489 British Columbians have been appointed to the order.

Appointments to the order are made annually to the most outstanding British Columbians. To be considered for 2023, nominations and letters of support must be received by the first Friday in April (April 7, 2023) at the Honours and Awards Secretariat office: bchonoursandawards@gov.bc.ca

Criteria

Any resident of B.C. or former long-term resident who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in a field of endeavour benefiting the province or elsewhere is eligible to be nominated. Fields of endeavour may include community leadership, business, labour, industry, art, sports, volunteer service, professions or other occupations.

Federal, provincial and municipal elected representatives are not eligible for appointment to the order while they remain in office. A person may not be appointed to the order posthumously.

Nominations

Anyone can nominate an individual whom they feel is worthy of this acknowledgment and honour. Appointments are made by the lieutenant governor in council on the recommendation of the advisory council, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of British Columbia. The head of the order is the lieutenant governor of B.C.

Insignia description

The Insignia of the Order of B.C. is in the form of a medal. The medal depicts a stylistic dogwood, the floral emblem of B.C., and features a crowned shield of arms. It is worn with a green, gold, white and blue ribbon.

Learn More:

More information, nomination forms and submission instructions are available online, by telephone 250 387-1616 or by email: bchonoursandawards@gov.bc.ca