Ottawa – The Royal Canadian Mint struck the first test medal on Wednesday, June 7, that will be unveiled as part of the launch of the Senate’s new Canada 150 medals. The medal commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the Senate of Canada’s first sitting, on November 6, 1867.

Senators will award the prestigious medals to Canadians who are thoroughly involved in their communities, whose generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work make their home towns a better place to live.

The obverse (front) side will feature the Senate’s emblem. The reverse side depicts the Senate chamber. A space is provided to inscribe the name of the recipient.

The medal was designed by Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Gauthier, Director of Honours & Recognition at the Department of National Defence, the organization responsible for much of the work that goes into honouring the extraordinary men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The medals will be available for distribution in November 2017. Additional information on the criteria and nomination process will be announced at a later date. 

About the medals

• The medals will measure 7.6 centimetres (three inches) in diameter and be seven millimetres (one-quarter inch) thick, which is the same size as the Confederation Medal 1867.  
• They will be made from Muntz metal, an alloy comprised of bronze, copper and zinc.
• The finish of the medal is matt in bronze.

Quotes

“Senators want to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions made by Canadians from all walks of life. We want to give some much-deserved recognition to Canadians who share the Senate’s goal of giving voice to people or issues that sometimes fly under the radar or don’t grab headlines.”

- Senator David Wells, Co-Chair, Advisory Working Group on the Senate 150^th Anniversary Medal

“As the Senate approaches a milestone anniversary of its own, this is an appropriate time to celebrate the volunteer work of Canadians. Not only will the medal highlight the contributions of Canadians – from coast to coast, from all walks of life and from varied backgrounds – it will highlight the wide diversity of the people whose efforts make Canada great.”

- Senator Serge Joyal, Co-Chair, Advisory Working Group on the Senate 150^th Anniversary Medal

Associated Links

• Watch the test strike of the first medal.
• Sign up for the Senate’s eNewsletter.

For more information, please contact:

Sonia Noreau
Media Relations Coordinator (Communications)
Senate of Canada
613-614-1180 | sonia.noreau@sen.parl.gc.ca