The Meritorious Service Decorations (french: Décorations pour service méritoire), available in two forms as the

Meritorious Service Cross The Meritorious Service Cross (french: Croix du service méritoire) is a decoration that is, within the Canadian system of honours, one of the two Meritorious Service Decorations gifted by the Canadian monarch, his or her Governor-in-Council. C ...

(Fr.: ''Croix du service méritoire'') and the

Meritorious Service Medal A Meritorious Service Medal is an award presented to denote acts of meritorious service, and sometimes gallantry, that are worthy of recognition. Notable medals with similar names include: *Meritorious Civilian Service Award * Meritorious Service Me ...

(Fr.: ''Médaille du service méritoire''), are Canadian decorations awarded to those who have demonstrated an outstanding level of service or set an exemplary standard of achievement to benefit or honour Canada. The decoration, awarded to both Canadians and non-Canadians and available in both military and civilian divisions, is awarded by the reigning ) and presented on behalf by the

Governor General Governor-general (plural ''governors-general''), or governor general (plural ''governors general''), is the title of an office-holder. In the context of governors-general and former British colonies, governors-general are appointed as viceroy t ...

. The military version of the Meritorious Service Cross was created in 1984. In 1991, the Meritorious Service Medal was added to the military division, and the civilian division was created for both the cross and medal. The military division recognizes individuals for bringing honour to the

Canadian Forces } The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF; french: Forces armées canadiennes, ''FAC'') are the unified military forces of Canada, including sea, land, and air elements referred to as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force. ...

(CF). The civilian division recognizes contributions that bring benefit or honour to Canada in any field or improve the quality of life of a community, from athletics to diplomatic relations to humanitarian activities, setting an example for others to follow. Meritorious Service Decorations recognize the performance of a military deed or military activity in an outstandingly professional manner of such a rare, high standard that it brings considerable benefit to or reflects great credit on the CF.Canadian Forces Administrative Order 18-4 Recommendations for Canadian Orders, Decorations and Military Honours

References

{{Canadian Honours System Military awards and decorations of Canada Civil awards and decorations of Canada *