VICTORIA –  

Summary

• The Order of British Columbia celebrates outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction benefiting the people of British Columbia and beyond
• The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes selfless, voluntary service in one’s community
• Nominations will be open for these honours until April 7, 2026

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To celebrate service excellence, the Province invites the public to nominate outstanding individuals for the Province’s two highest honours: the Order of British Columbia and the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The Order of British Columbia

• The Order of British Columbia represents the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its people.
• The order recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction by a former or current B.C. resident whose contributions benefit the province and elsewhere.

“This is a chance to celebrate excellence at every level – provincial, national and international – by lifting up the British Columbians whose work inspires us, strengthens our communities and reflects the rich diversity of our province,” said Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia. “By bringing forward a nomination for the Order of British Columbia, we shine a light on the remarkable stories and accomplishments that build a proud and strong province.”

The Medal of Good Citizenship

• The Medal of Good Citizenship honours individuals whose selfless volunteerism, generosity and contributions have a positive effect on their community.
• Youth nominations are also accepted (aged 15 to 25), as well as posthumous nominations.

“We all know people whose quiet generosity and everyday acts of compassion make our communities stronger,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee. “These individuals are truly deserving of our appreciation. I encourage everyone to nominate a remarkable person in their community so we can honour those whose kindness, service and dedication uplift the places we call home.”

Nominations for both honours must reach the Honours and Awards Secretariat by April 7, 2026, to be considered in 2026. An independent selection committee reviews all nominations and recommends candidates.

Quick Facts:

• Established in 1989, the Order of B.C. is the Province’s highest honour.
• A total of 530 people have been appointed to the Order of B.C. since its inception.
• As of 2025, it has been a decade of the B.C. Medal of Good Citizenship, during which 193 people, two communities and one group have been honoured for their outstanding contributions.

Learn More:

• To submit a nomination for the Order of British Columbia, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/order-of-bc/submitting-nomination
• To submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship/submitting-nomination

 A backgrounder follows.

Graham Clarke, 2025 Order of British Columbia recipient –

“This is a touchstone of achievement that gives you something to strive for. It’s an example. It’s a symbol. There were others that deserved this who maybe will get it next time.”

Joyce Wilby, 2025 Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –

“This medal recognizes that community work is so important. I feel quite honoured to receive the medal and when I saw the rest of the recipients, I realized there's many people out there doing good.”

Victoria Clarke, 2025 Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –

“It’s amazing to receive this kind of recognition. I feel inspired by this honour. It’s a reminder that in making a contribution to your community, you will always get so much more back.”