Order of Montreal

The Ordre de Montréal, which is marked with nobility and prestige, recognizes 17 prominent personalities each year, following a public call for nominations. Recipients of the honour have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following ways, regardless of their area of activity:

• Decisive contribution to the development of Montréal
• Notable contribution to the national or international reputation of Montréal
• Exemplary commitment to the community
• Exceptional professional achievements

As a legacy of Montréal’s 375th anniversary, Ville de Montréal has created an honorary order to recognize the talents and achievements of the men and women who have helped shape the city. The Ordre de Montréal reflects the pride felt by all Montrealers[3] As a municipal order, it is not directly ranked in the Canadian honours system.

The Order, like the Order of Canada and National Order of Quebec, has three ranks consisting of (in descending order) commander, officer, and knight. Each year, three commanders, six officers, and eight knights are invested. The Order of Montreal succeeded the Academy of Great Montrealers, a special honour that was created in 1988 by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and terminated in 2015.[1] All recipients of that honour were awarded the Order of Montreal in December 2016 with the rank of Commander.[4][5]

Chosen for their credibility, the members of the council of the Ordre de Montréal thoroughly review each application to ensure the prestige of the institution.

The council plays an advisory role. Its main mandate is to review the files submitted following the annual call for nominations and to make recommendations for admission to the Ordre.

This role includes the assigning of a rank – commander, officer or knight – for each selected nominee, based on the scope of their achievements.

Council members will take into consideration the scope, originality and impact of the achievements on community life, as well as any specific factor deemed relevant.

The council may also make suggestions regarding the management of the Ordre and all matters intended to safeguard the prestige and reputation of the Ordre.

Medal recipients are named by the City’s executive committee, upon the recommendation of the mayor.

Recipients are presented with their insignia at an official ceremony at city hall. The event is held each year normally on May 17, the date of the founding of Montréal.

The presentation of the insignia is accompanied by a certificate bearing the seal of the Ordre. Recipients' names are then written in calligraphy in the Ordre’s Golden Book.

Each recipient is entitled to one page on the website, detailing his or her contributions and achievements.

Large-format photos of each recipient are also displayed at city hall along the route taken by guided tours.

Regardless of their sphere of activity, members of the Ordre de Montréal share the same commitment to excellence. These exceptional men and women contribute to making our world a better place and inspire pride in all Montrealers.

Except where justified, the yearly number of titles awarded to both newly admitted members and members named to a higher rank is as follows:

• Three commanders
• Six officers
• Eight knights

Applications are accepted until October 31st each year for the Ordre de Montréal for the following year. Those interested in submitting a nomination must be supported by two persons.

The medal of the Ordre de Montréal incorporates the City’s official symbols, that is, Montréal’s flag and coat of arms. Its elegantly simple design and fine materials are an expression of the importance of the honour paid to its recipients.

• Order of Hamilton

• Official English website
• Official French website