Order of Manitoba

Order of Manitoba

The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999 to "recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well being of Manitoba and its residents." Any Canadian citizen who is a current resident of the province, or was a long-time resident of Manitoba, can be nominated for membership in the order, except members of Parliament, senators, Members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and judges of any court, while they are in office. Posthumous nominations are not accepted except where a nominee dies after being recommended by the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council. Only individuals may be nominated, not couples, groups or organizations.

Nominations to the Order of Manitoba can be made to the secretary of the Order of Manitoba Advisory Council. The advisory council evaluates all nominations and recommends candidates to the Chancellor for membership in the order. The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba serves as the chancellor of the order. The Order of Manitoba Advisory Council includes the Chief Justice of Manitoba (or Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench), the clerk of the executive council and the president of the University of Manitoba, Brandon University or the University of Winnipeg (each serving for a term of two years on a rotating basis in the order listed). The council also includes not more than four members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, each for a term of three years, one of whom is designated as chairperson of the council.

Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are announced each year by the lieutenant-governor, as chancellor, on or about the anniversary of the date that the Manitoba Act was passed by Parliament (12 May 1870).

At a formal installation ceremony held on or about the date that Manitoba entered Confederation (15 July 1870), the Chancellor presents each Member with the insignia of the Order of Manitoba. Members are presented with an attractive medal in the form of a stylized crocus, the provincial floral emblem, bearing the shield of Manitoba's coat of arms surmounted by the Crown. They also receive a lapel pin and a certificate. Members of the Order are entitled to use the initials OM after their names.