Saskatchewan Order of Merit

Saskatchewan Order of Merit

The Saskatchewan Order of Merit was established in 1985 to honour "excellence, achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the province and its residents." It recognizes individuals who have made their mark in such areas as the arts, agriculture, business and industry, community leadership, the occupations or professions, public service, research, and volunteer service.

Any Canadian citizen who is a current or former long-term resident of Saskatchewan is eligible for nomination for the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and any individual or group may submit nominations. Only individuals may be nominated, not organizations or groups. Posthumous nominations are accepted within one year of the date of death.

A call for nominations is made in the spring, and from among the public nominations received the Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council may recommend up to a maximum of ten members of the order annually. There are no fixed quotas or categories, but there is a maximum number of ten appointments annually.

The insignia worn by members of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit includes a silver and enamel medal representing a stylized western red lily (the provincial floral emblem), bearing the Crown and Shield of Arms of the province, and suspended from a ribbon of green and gold - the official colours of the province. There is also a lapel pin representing a stylized lily and bearing the Crown. Each member of the order receives an official certificate in the form of Letters Patent, sealed with the Great Seal of the Province of Saskatchewan. These are presented by the lieutenant-governor at a formal investiture in the fall, alternating between Regina and Saskatoon. Members of the order are entitled to use the post-nominal letters SOM.