Order of Manitoba

Established in 1999, the Order is the highest honour in the Province of Manitoba. It 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 citizen 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. Only individuals may be nominated; not couples, groups or organizations.

If you know someone who has demonstrated excellence and achievement, and has made a mark on our province and its people, you should consider nominating him or her for the Order of Manitoba. Examples of fields of endeavour recognized by this honour include agriculture, business and industry, volunteer service, education and research, the literary, visual and performing arts, occupational and professional achievement, public and community service. All nominations come from the public, so we rely on citizens like you to submit names of deserving recipients. It’s a special way of honouring individuals you respect and admire for their contributions to Manitoba and its residents.

Click here to fill out the nomination form. Nominations stand for two years, after which individuals can be re-nominated as many times as desired. You may also ask up to three (3) other citizens to send in letters supporting your nomination. However, only one nomination form is required for each nominee. Note: The Council may contact nominators and supporters to clarify information provided, but will not otherwise contact them regarding the status of their nomination unless their candidate is selected.

Used with permission from the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat In order for your nomination to stand out against the many others we receive, your nomination should describe what is outstanding about your nominee’s achievements and show memorably and persuasively how and where they have made a difference. To achieve this, it is important to use specific and concrete examples to illustrate how your nominee meets each of the eligibility and award criteria. Provide examples of how your nominee has demonstrated outstanding character and is a deserving candidate for the honour or award. A compelling nomination should also describe as vividly and precisely as possible the difference your nominee’s contribution has made and show why it has been important. An ineffective nomination usually includes an extended CV or resume, list of other appointments or awards, educational achievements, and/or a description of their professional responsibilities. Remember that longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. When presenting your nominee, keep your explanations clear and to the point while ensuring there is enough information for the selection panel to make their decision. The testimonial letters should be written by individuals who know the nominee well enough to be able to talk about the impact of their achievement from first-hand experience, be current and written specifically for the honour or award you are nominating for, and provide various examples from a range of views and perspectives. The testimonial letters should not simply state that the authors support the nomination – they need to provide more information about the nominee and their achievement. It is often perceived that a testimonial letter written by an influential or high-profile individual will automatically give it more weight; however this is not the case if the letter does not specifically address the nominee’s merits.

An independent 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 Chancellor invests those individuals whose names are recommended by the Council. The number of appointments recommended for membership in the Order each year is limited, and not everyone nominated will be recommended.

The Order of Manitoba Advisory Council includes the Chief Justice of Manitoba and the Clerk of the Executive Council, as well as the presidents of Manitoba’s universities and Red River College each serving on a rotational two-year basis. The Council also includes not more than six members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, each for a term of three years.

Appointments to the Order of Manitoba are announced each year by the Lieutenant Governor, as Chancellor, on the date that The Manitoba Act was passed by Parliament (May 12, 1870). A formal installation ceremony is held on or about the date that Manitoba entered Confederation (July 15, 1870). The Chancellor presents each member of the Order of Manitoba 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 “O.M.” after their names. A special plaque honouring all those who receive the Order of Manitoba is located on the second floor of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Submission of nominations is accepted and encouraged year-round; the deadline is December 31.  Nominations received after this date will be held over for consideration the following year. Inquiries regarding the Order of Manitoba can be directed to the Secretary of the Advisory Council at (204) 945-5239.