In 1966, a project to create a national honour for Canadians was begun. The first recipients of the Order of Canada were announced a year later, and in the nearly forty years since, the Order has become a symbol familiar to, and respected by, people from across the country. 
The spirit that motivates the Order of Canada – celebration, inclusion, and democracy – was born of the memories of Canada's earlier experience with honours. From initial distrust and misunderstanding to the awakening of a national identity, the development of the Order reflects the relationship Canadians have with their country, their government, their culture, and their heroes. The Order itself is a product of national identity, politics, and history, reflected by the significance of its recipients' accomplishments. Indeed, the Order's history is as fascinating as the more than 4000 Canadians who have received it. 
This first book-length history of the Order of Canada – and first major work on Canadian honours – by Christopher McCreery is a celebration of the Order and a close examination of its unique design and various early incarnations. McCreery provides both a history of the Order's beginnings and a more general overview of trends in Canadian honours. Extensively illustrated with never-before-published photographs, The Order of Canada: Its Origins, History, and Developments pays tribute to the individuals who felt the need for a system of recognition for Canadians.

The Order of Canada: Its Origins, History, and Developments (Heritage)

History

McCreery, Christopher

Americas

University of Toronto Press

A celebration in medals of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years as our monarch. On the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada, Canada has followed a long tradition of recommending to Her Majesty the institution of a commemorative medal to mark this auspicious milestone. Commemorative Medals of The Queen’s Reign in Canada, 1952-2012 examines in detail this element of the Canadian honours system.This short and accessible work provides the reader with an interesting and informative study of the honours that have recognized nearly a quarter of a million Canadians over the past six decades. Fully illustrated in colour, the book recounts the history and development of the commemorative medals awarded during The Queen’s 60 years as monarch.

Commemorative Medals of The Queen's Reign in Canada, 1952–2012

Dundurn Press

Commemorating the Rideau Club’s 150th anniversary, this richly illustrated book celebrates the history of Ottawa’s premier private club since its founding in 1865. Co-founded by Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier, the history of Ottawa’s premier private club — the Rideau Club — is intertwined in so many ways with the development of Canada over the past 150 years. Commissioned for the Club’s sesquicentennial, this work by Canadian historian Christopher McCreery weaves together the story of the club’s evolution since 1865 with vignettes of how certain members made and continue to make it a very special place. Richly illustrated, this bilingual book provides a highly accessible account of the Club’s enduring place in the nation’s capital. From the early days of Ottawa as a rough lumber town to its present status as a centre of technological innovation, the pioneering spirit of the Club’s membership is exemplified by the prominent role its members have played in Canada’s national and international policy making, and in the arts, science, business, and commerce.

Savoir Faire, Savoir Vivre: Rideau Club 1865–2015

This updated, full-colour illustrated book recounts the history of Canada’s various national orders, decorations, and medals. This expanded and updated edition of The Canadian Honours System surveys the history of Canada’s various orders, decorations, and medals, from New France’s Croix de St. Louis, Britain’s the Order of the Bath, to modern Canadian honours such as the Sacrifice Medal and recently created Polar Medal. Since the establishment of the Order of Canada in 1967, the Canadian honours system has grown to become one of the most comprehensive in the world — with more than 300,000 Canadians having been rewarded over the past fifty years. Each honour in the modern Canadian honours system, and its precursor, the British imperial honours system, is examined here in detail, including historical background, design, and criteria for bestowal. With special chapters on heraldry, protocol, and the proper mounting and wearing of medals, The Canadian Honours System is an essential reference for anyone interested in Canadian honours.

The Canadian Honours System

This fully illustrated history traces the Order of Canada from its establishment in 1967 to its place today as a national honour. Over the past fifty years more than six thousand Canadians have been appointed to the Order of Canada. Those who embody the motto of the Order through their efforts to “Desire a better country,” continue to be recognized by the Crown and their fellow Canadians with the familiar white snowflake insignia. This illustrated history traces the origins of the Order, from the debate surrounding Canadians accepting peerages and knighthoods that took place during the First World War, through to Vincent Massey and Lester Pearson’s great desire to see their fellow citizens recognized with a truly Canadian honour. Details about the design of the insignia, investitures, and prominent members of the Order of Canada are also included. Rich with illustrations and historical vignettes, this book provides an easily accessible window into the fascinating history of our pre-eminent national honour.

Fifty Years Honouring Canadians: The Order of Canada, 1967–2017

In 1966, a project to create a national honour for Canadians was begun. The order recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievements, dedication, and service to the country. It is a product of national identity, politics, and history, and includes such individuals as Atom Egoyan, Joseph Boyden, and Louise Arbour.The second edition of The Order of Canada continues the celebration of the order. Christopher McCreery sheds new light on the development of Canadian honours in the early 1930s, the imposed prohibition on honours from 1946 to 1967, and new details on those who have been removed or resigned from the Order. Extensively illustrated, The Order of Canada pays tribute to the individuals who felt the need for a system of recognition for Canadians. Indeed, the order’s history is as fascinating as the more than four thousand Canadians who have received it.

The Order of Canada: Genesis of an Honours System, Second Edition

Review\n"On the eve of the Queen’s unprecedented platinum jubilee, the publication of a book by three knowledgeable authors underscores the exceptional character of her long reign. In exploring three core themes - myth, law, and personality - the authors explain how the Crown retains its enduring importance in our constitutional order. Readers will learn the ways by which the Crown continues to serve and remains relevant in contemporary Canada." -- The Honourable Serge Joyal, former member of the Senate of Canada\n"In this insightful book, Smith, McCreery, and Shanks go beyond the reign of Queen Elizabeth II to consider the deeper essence of the Crown and its role in Canada’s future. Deftly weaving together discussions of law, politics, practice, convention, and symbolism, the authors build a three-dimensional picture of the Crown as a fundamental institution of Canadian governance. Canada’s Deep Crown focuses on how the Crown is simultaneously a unifying force as well as the means for dispersing power and promoting diversity." -- Anne Twomey, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Sydney Law School\n"Canada’s Deep Crown is an excellent book that should be read by anyone interested in the monarchy in Canada. It is the most comprehensive and authoritative source available on the subject, offering a wide-ranging and in-depth analysis of the crucial role played by the Crown in Canada." -- Andrew Heard, Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University\nThe Crown in Canada has had a profound influence in shaping a country and a constitution that embraces the promotion of political moderation, societal accommodation, adaptable constitutional structures, and pluralistic governing practices. While none of these features themselves originated through legislative or constitutional action, David E. Smith, Christopher McCreery, and Jonathan Shanks propose that all reflect the presence and actions of the Crown. 
Examining how a constitutional monarchy functions, Canada’s Deep Crown discusses how the legal and institutional abstractions of the Crown vary depending on the circumstances and the context in which it is found.The Crown presents differently depending on who is observing it, who is representing it, and what role it is performing. With a focus on the changes that have taken place over the last fifty years, this book addresses the role of the Crown in dispersing power throughout Canada’s system of government, the function the sovereign, governor general, and lieutenant governors play, and how the demise of the Crown and transition to a new sovereign is likely to unfold.

Canada's Deep Crown: Beyond Elizabeth II, The Crown's Continuing Canadian Complexion

SMITH, DAVID

Shanks, Jonathan

Specialties

Winner of the 2005 Ontario Printing and Imaging Association Excellence in Print Awards Best of Category, and of the 2005 International Gallery of Superb Printing Gold Award for Superb Craftsmanship Since the creation of the Canadian honours system in 1967, more than 250,000 Canadians have been rewarded, yet little has been written about it. This full-colour illustrated book recounts the history of Canada’s various national orders, decorations, and medals, from New France’s Croix de St. Louis, through the British Order of the Bath, to modern Canadian awards such as the General Campaign Star. Each award in the modern Canadian honours system is examined in detail, including historical background, design, and criteria for bestowal. With special chapters on heraldry, protocol, and the proper mounting and wear of medals, it is an essential reference for anyone interested in Canadian honours.

As a foundation of the Order of St. John, St. John Ambulance has been providing first aid training programs in Canada for the past 125 years. From the sweatshops of the Victorian era and military hospitals of the First World War to a modern-day volunteer organization devoted to the service of humanity, this history recounts the remarkable story of the Order’s contribution to our country and those who made it possible. With connections to the hospitaller work of the Order of St. John in the tenth and eleventh centuries, the Order of St. John finds its modern roots in the English revival of this charitable work in 1831. The 1883 establishment of the Order of St. John in Canada signalled the beginning of a long and distinguished history of service to Canadians and people around the globe. As a nationwide volunteer organization involving more than 25,000 Canadians, St. John Ambulance continues to be the principal provider of first aid training in Canada.

The Maple Leaf and the White Cross: A History of St. John Ambulance and the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Canada

Commended for the 2009 Best Books for Kids &amp; Teens For more than 40 years Canadian orders, decorations, and medals have been used to recognize exemplary citizens for their outstanding contributions to our country and to the world. Although Canada is a relatively young country, we are fortunate to have one of the most comprehensive honours systems in the world. With the Order of Canada at its centre, the Canadian honours system includes the Victoria Cross, Star of Courage, Order of St. John, General Campaign Star, Canadian Forces Decoration, and a wide variety of other awards. From the honours of New France to the many British medals awarded to Canadians prior to 1967, the various elements of the modern Canadian honours system are explained. This short book, rich with illustrations and photos, provides an easy-to-understand overview of Canadian honours, who has received them, and how they are bestowed. The book also includes a wearing guide.

The Beginner's Guide to Canadian Honours

Teen & Young Adult

Education & Reference

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by McCreery, Christopher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by McCreery, Christopher

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by McCreery, Christopher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Order of Canada: Its Origins, History, and Developments (Heritage)

Commemorative Medals of The Queen's Reign in Canada, 1952–2012

Savoir Faire, Savoir Vivre: Rideau Club 1865–2015

The Canadian Honours System

Fifty Years Honouring Canadians: The Order of Canada, 1967–2017

The Order of Canada: Genesis of an Honours System, Second Edition

Canada's Deep Crown: Beyond Elizabeth II, The Crown's Continuing Canadian Complexion

The Canadian Honours System

The Maple Leaf and the White Cross: A History of St. John Ambulance and the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Canada

The Beginner's Guide to Canadian Honours