The Order of Canada is regarded as Canada's highest civilian honor. Its membership is given to those citizens who truly lives up to the Order's Latin motto Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam. It means "Desiring a better country." The Order, established in 1967, recognizes the
great contributions made by Canadians. Members come from different fields like music, politics, arts, television, and others. Accordingly, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada, is the Sovereign of the Order. The Chancellor and Principal Companion are the serving Governor General of Canada. As of today, the Order of Canada has been awarded to 5053 since 1967. There are three levels of the Canadian Order, namely the Companion, being the highest, Officer, and Member. Every Canadian citizen is eligible for all three awards with the exemption of provincial and federal politicians and judges occupying an office.
Among the famous celebrities appointed to accept these awards are artists like Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, and Celine Dion. Nelson Mandela, the former
President of South Africa, is an honorary Canadian citizen since 1998. He was known as the first President of South Africa to be elected in fully-representative democratic elections. People view him as a cultural icon of freedom and equality like Mohandas Gandhi.
