Which Canadian honour was inaugurated on Dominion Day in 1967?

The Order of Canada was the Canadian honour inaugurated on Dominion Day in 1967. Its launch coincided with the centennial of Canadian Confederation, making the new order part of a year of highly visible national celebrations.

The order was created during the premiership of Lester B. Pearson. Queen Elizabeth II instituted it on April 17, 1967, on the advice of the Canadian prime minister, and it was officially launched on July 1, the centennial anniversary of Confederation. Governor General Roland Michener was its first appointee, at the rank of Companion.

The Order of Canada was intended to recognize outstanding achievement and service by Canadians. It also helped Canada develop a distinct honours system rather than relying so heavily on British honours.

It is easy to confuse the Order of Canada with provincial orders, such as the Order of Ontario, or with military decorations such as the Victoria Cross. The Order of Canada is a federal civilian honour with three grades: Companion, Officer, and Member.