The Meritorious Service Decorations () 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 Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

. The decorations are available in two forms as the

Meritorious Service Cross The Meritorious Service Cross () is a State decoration, decoration that is, within the Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, Canadian system of honours, one of the two Meritorious Service Decorations gifted by the Monarchy of Canada, Canadia ...

(Fr.: ''Croix du service méritoire'') and the Meritorious Service Medal (Fr.: ''Médaille du service méritoire''). 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. 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; , FAC) are the unified Military, military forces of Canada, including sea, land, and air commands referred to as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Under the ''National Defenc ...

(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 *