The Order of Montreal (Ordre de Montréal) is a municipal order awarded to residents of the city of Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada, since 2016.
The honour succeeds the former Great Montrealer, which was conferred from 1988 to 2015 by the Academy of Great Montrealers [fr].
As a legacy of Montréal's 375th anniversary, Ville de Montréal created an honorary order to recognize the talents and achievements of the men and women who have helped shape the city.[1] The new honour was announced in December 2015[2] and on 17 May 2016 mayor Denis Coderre presented the inaugural honours. It was decided that they would be awarded on 17 May each year, which is the anniversary of the founding of Montreal.[3]
The Order, like the Order of Canada and National Order of Quebec, has three ranks consisting of (in descending order) commander, officer, and knight. Each year, three commanders, six officers, and eight knights are invested.
The Order of Montreal recognizes 17 prominent personalities each year, following a public call for nominations. Recipients of the honour have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following ways, regardless of their area of activity:[citation needed]
Decisive contribution to the development of Montreal
Notable contribution to the national or international reputation of Montreal
Exemplary commitment to the community
Exceptional professional achievements
Applications are accepted until 31 October each year for the Order of Montreal for the following year. Nominations must be supported by two persons.[6]
Chosen for their credibility, the members of the council of the Order of Montreal thoroughly review each application to ensure the prestige of the institution. The council plays an advisory role. Its main mandate is to review the files submitted following the annual call for nominations and to make recommendations for admission to the Order.[citation needed]
This role includes the assigning of a rank – commander, officer or knight – for each selected nominee, based on the scope of their achievements. Council members will take into consideration the scope, originality and impact of the achievements on community life, as well as any specific factor deemed relevant. The council may also make suggestions regarding the management of the Ordre and all matters intended to safeguard the prestige and reputation of the Ordre.[citation needed]
Medal recipients are named by the City's executive committee, upon the recommendation of the mayor.[citation needed]
Recipients are presented with their insignia at an official ceremony at city hall. The event is held each year normally on May 17, the date of the founding of Montreal.[citation needed]
The presentation of the insignia is accompanied by a certificate bearing the seal of the Ordre. Recipients' names are then written in calligraphy in the Ordre's "Golden Book".[citation needed]
Each recipient is entitled to one page on the website, detailing his or her contributions and achievements.[citation needed]
Large-format photos of each recipient are also displayed at city hall along the route taken by guided tours.[citation needed]
