Ottawa – Today, the Senate of Canada is celebrating the 150^th anniversary of its first sitting by awarding commemorative medals, struck by the Royal Canadian Mint earlier this year. 

The Senate 150^th Anniversary Medal commemorates the first time senators came to Ottawa to sit in Parliament, on November 6, 1867. 

The medals are being awarded to Canadians or permanent residents actively involved in their communities who, through generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work, make their hometowns, communities, regions, provinces or territories a better place to live. 

The front of the medal features the Senate’s badge and the reverse side depicts the Senate Chamber. A space is provided to inscribe the name of the recipient.

The medal was designed by Lt.-Col. 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.

Senators each received 12 medals to award.

About the medals

• The medals 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 are made from Muntz metal, an alloy comprised of bronze, copper and zinc.
• The finish of the medal is matte 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 celebrates a milestone anniversary of its own, this is an appropriate time to celebrate the volunteer work of Canadians. Not only are the medal highlighting the contributions of Canadians – from coast to coast, from all walks of life and from varied backgrounds – they also highlight the wide diversity of the people whose efforts make Canada great. We also wish to thank the Royal Canadian Mint for its invaluable help with this project.”

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

Associated Links

• Learn more about the Senate 150^th medals.
• Download a high resolution photo of the medal.
• Watch the test strike of the first medal.
• Sign up for the Senate’s eNewsletter.

For more information, please contact:

Sonia Noreau
Public Relations Officer
Senate of Canada
613-614-1180 | sonia.noreau@sen.parl.gc.ca