Navy League Of Canada Honours And Awards Program

GENERAL AWARDS

Navy League Award of Commendation

The Award of Commendation is a prestigious recognition presented to a member, including a cadet who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, performance, or service. This award honours those whose actions go beyond the ordinary, making a significant impact within the community or the League.

Recipients of the Award of Commendation have shown outstanding commitment to their duties, often displaying leadership, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility. Whether through a single notable act or sustained excellence over time, they have contributed positively and meaningfully, setting a standard for others to follow. This award acknowledges the hard work, perseverance, and integrity of those who embody the values of their organization.

The award is in the form of a medal bar (worn on the right side of the jacket or uniform (near the pocket) and a certificate. Navy League Cadets who have received the Award of Commendation may continue to wear the bar as they transition to the CJCR Youth Programs (Air, Army and Sea Cadets). Replacement bars are available from the National Office for a nominal fee.



To nominate an individual for the Award of Commendation, nominators should complete the application form and forward to the Division for consideration by the National Board of Directors.

The approving authority is the National Board of Directors.

Bravo Zulu Pins

The “Bravo Zulu Pin” is a pin that consists of the two International Signal Flags “B and Z”.

This combination of signal flags forms the signal code for “Well done” and has been used within Naval code books within Allied, Commonwealth Nations and NATO for over 75 years.

The intent of this pin is to recognize any member of the Navy League, cadet, supporter or volunteer who has demonstrated either outstanding performance or support to either the Navy League or Sea Cadets.

The BZ Pin is not an annual award, and a Division President may use discretion in presenting the pin.



The National Office will distribute between (3-10) BZ Pins to Division Presidents on an annual basis (September).

Challenge Coins

Challenge coins hold a special place in military and organizational traditions, symbolizing camaraderie, recognition, and pride. Originating from military practices, these small, coin-like tokens are often given to individuals as a mark of dedication, service or exception performance or contributions to the League.

The challenge coins may be presented during a formal ceremony or in a more casual setting, the act of giving or receiving a challenge coin is a meaningful gesture that reinforces the values of loyalty, honour, and respect.

The National Office does not provide challenge coins, Branches and Divisions are authorized to order them from either the national supplier or local supplier.

AWARDS FOR NAVY LEAGUE CADETS AND ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADETS

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD (CADETS) OF THE YEAR (NL CADET, RC SEA CADET, RC SEA CADET LEGION AND RC SEA CADET MUSIC)

The selection of the national winners will be from the Division Cadets of the Year. Applications should include the application form, and refer to Annex D and Annex E, as required for additional information.

NATIONAL ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET OF THE YEAR

Recipients of the National President’s Award will be selected from the Divisional Cadets of the Year. There is no formal application process for this award. In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the Award of Excellence, the National Royal Canadian Sea Cadet of the Year must have achieved the rank of PO1.

Nominees for the National Sea Cadet of the Year will have the option of submitting a three to five-minute video documenting their journey through the Cadet Program and the impact it has had on their personal development.

A national selection committee will be established annually to review the applications and conduct interviews with the national nominees. The interviews will assist the national committee to gain a better understanding of the cadet’s experiences in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program.

The award is in the form of a medal, certificate and a plaque. The Medal of Excellence shall have a Gold Bar affixed to it with two anchors.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION SEA CADET OF THE YEAR

The Legion Cadet of the Year will be selected from the national nominees. There is no formal application process for this award. In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the Award of Excellence, the National Royal Canadian Sea Cadet of the Year must have achieved the rank of PO1.

The Legion Cadet of the Year will be invited, with a Parent/Guardian to Ottawa to attend the National Remembrance Ceremony. The Royal Canadian Legion provides all coordinating instructions, travel arrangements and financial support for the Legion Cadet of the Year to participate in the ceremony.

In the event the Sea Cadet has not previously received the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence, they will receive the Medal of Excellence.

The recipient of this award shall be a registered Sea Cadet at the time of the National Remembrance Ceremony.

ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

There is no formal application process for this award. The selection will be made from the list of Division Sea Cadet Music Award recipients.

The National Sea Cadet Committee will review the applications of each Division Music Award to determine who will be the National Musician Award Winner. The National Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Musician Award is in the form of the National Sea Cadet Chairperson’s Trophy for Music Excellence, plaque and certificate.

NAVY LEAGUE CADET OF THE YEAR

Recipients of the National President’s Award will be selected from the Divisional Cadets of the Year. There is no formal application process for this award.

A national selection committee will be established annually to review the applications and conduct interviews with the national nominees. It is suggested that a parent/guardian be present with the cadet during the interview. The interviews will assist the national committee to gain a better understanding of the cadet’s experiences in the Navy League Cadet Program.

The award is in the form of a medal, certificate and a plaque. The Medal of Excellence shall have a Silver Bar affixed to it with two anchors.

DIVISION ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET OF THE YEAR

Recipients of the Division Sea Cadet of the Year will be selected from the Medals of Excellence recipients prepared by the local Branch. There is no formal application process for this award.

A divisional selection committee will be established annually to review the applications and establish the Division Sea Cadet of the Year.

The Division Cadet of the Year will automatically be nominated for the National Cadet of the Year.

The award is in the form of a medal, certificate and a plaque. The Medal of Excellence shall have a Gold Bar affixed to it with one anchor.

DIVISION ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Recipients of the Division Sea Cadet Musician of the Year will be selected from the nominations received by the Corps/Branch.

A divisional selection committee will be established annually to review the applications and establish the Division Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Musician of the Year.

The Division Cadet of the Year will automatically be nominated for the National Sea Cadet Musician of the Year.

The award is in the form of a certificate and a plaque.

DIVISION NAVY LEAGUE CADET OF THE YEAR

Recipients of the Division Navy League Cadet of the Year will be selected from the Medal of Excellence recipients prepared by the local Branch. There is no formal application process for this award.

A divisional selection committee will be established annually to review the applications and establish the Division Navy League Cadet of the Year.

The Division Cadet of the Year will automatically be nominated for the National Cadet of the Year.

The award is in the form of a medal, certificate and a plaque. The Medal of Excellence shall have a Silver Bar affixed to it with one anchor.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the Cadet must meet these basic requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to the Corps through regular participation in Corps activities;
• Achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class or higher;
• Consistently set an outstanding example of dress and deportment;
• Demonstrated a thorough grasp of Cadet training;
• Demonstrated good leadership and citizenship through community service activities, and
• Demonstrated personal fitness through a self-directed physical fitness plan and/or participation in a sporting activity.

Application Process

The Corps/Branch should complete the Awards Application Form. The application form should include recommendations from the Corps Commanding Officer and the Branch President. The application should include the following:

• Cadet Information Card (CIC) for Sea Cadets;
• Cadet Training Record – (Cadet Information Card for Sea Cadets or Cadet Training Checklist for NL Cadets)
• Commanding Officer Letter of Recommendation
• Branch President Letter of Recommendation
• Cadet’s Personal Resume
• Cadet’s Autobiography (minimum 500 words)
• Photo of Cadet Applicant participating in the program

The award is in the form of a certificate and a medal to be worn on the right breast of the uniform.

Each Corps is responsible for nominating a cadet for the NL Medal of Excellence. In the event the Cadet Corps has more than (50) cadets, the Corps/Branch may submit an additional application for the Medal of Excellence. The awarding of the second medal is not automatic based on the Cadet Corps population; the nominee must meet the specified eligibility criteria.

ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET MUSIC AWARD

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the Cadet must have:

• Been a member of an authorized Cadet Band for a minimum of two years;
• Obtained a level IV instrumentalist – this is to be the minimum requirement for a nomination;
• Contributed outstanding participation in Cadet Parades, engagements or performances;
• Demonstrated outstanding loyalty to the Cadet Corps;
• Demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership to the Cadet Music Training Programme; and
• Maintained an outstanding dress, deportment, drill, conduct, manner and dependability.

Application Process

The Corps should complete the Awards Application Form, and ensure that the Annex to the Application Form is also completed. The application form should be forwarded to the Division for consideration.

The Nomination Form provides verification/recommendations concerning the selection criteria by:

• Unit Commanding Officer;
• Band Officer or Music Instructor; and Other individuals, as appropriate.

SERVICE AWARDS FOR NAVY LEAGUE CADETS AND ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADETS

ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET SERVICE MEDAL

Awarded by The Navy League of Canada in recognition of continuous cadet service of at least four (4) years from enrollment date by Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Additional bars are awarded for completing 5 and 6 years of service.

Please note the following change: Starting September 1st, 2024, Sea Cadets with 6 years of service will be recognized by adding a second single anchor bar beneath the 5th-year bar.

Please refer to Annex B – Chart of Medals and Ribbons for additional information.

The authority for the SCSM shall be The Navy League of Canada. The medal will be recommended for issue by the Cadet Corps Commanding Officer and approved by the President of the local Navy League Branch.

To qualify for this award, a serving cadet must have successfully completed four (4) calendar years (continuous from enrolment date) of service and be recommended by the Commanding Officer.

Former members of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets are eligible for the service medal. Former members should apply through the local Corps/Branch, and be able to demonstrate through service records, training certificates, etc., that they qualify for the medal. Once approved, former members may be required to purchase a medal.

Former members of the Navy League's Wrennette programme are also eligible to receive this medal with any combination of four years service in Wrennettes and/or Sea Cadets.

NAVY LEAGUE SERVICE MEDAL

Awarded by The Navy League of Canada in recognition of continuous cadet service of at least two (2) years by NL Cadets. For three years of service, a single bar with one anchor will be affixed to the medal.

Please refer to Annex B – Chart of Medals and Ribbons for additional information.

The authority of the NLCSM is the Navy League of Canada. The medal will be recommended for issue by the Cadet Corps Commanding Officer and approved by the President of the local Navy League Branch.

To qualify for this award, a serving cadet must have successfully completed two (2) calendar years (continuous from enrolment date) of service and be recommended by the Commanding Officer.

Former members of the Navy League Cadets are eligible for the service medal. Former members should apply through the local Corps/Branch, and be able to demonstrate through service records, training certificates, etc., that they qualify for the medal. Once approved, former members may be required to purchase a medal.

Please refer to Annex B – Chart of Medals and Ribbons for additional information.

HONOURS AND AWARDS ADMINISTERED BY CANADIAN ARMED FORCES CADETS AND JUNIOR CANADIAN RANGERS SUPPORT GROUP

The development of a culture of recognition within the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp) is crucial in achieving our mandate to develop confident and self-sufficient community leaders. Honours and Recognition (H&R) programs help increase morale, engagement, and wellness of our personnel, volunteers, and our youth. These essential factors aid in the retention of our participants and the sustained growth of our organization.

The following list of awards are managed by the CAF/CJCR. Any questions should be directed to the Area Office, RCSU, or CJCR HQ, as required:

• Order of Military Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal
• CJCR Commendations
• Cadet Award for Bravery
• Lord Strathcona Award
• Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans Medal of Merit
• Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence
• Order of St. George Medal

Link/Lien:
CJCR Awards/Prix de CRJC
5027-0 Honours and Recognition Program

CAF Awards /Prix de FAC
Chapter 2 – Recommendations for orders, decorations and awards

Email/Courriel: cjcrhonoursawardshonneursrecompensescrjc@forces.gc.ca

AWARDS FOR VOLUNTEERS AND ADULT MEMBERS

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD (ADULTS) OF THE YEAR
(NL MEMBER, SEA CADET OFFICER, NL CADET OFFICER)

The National President's Award is one of the highest honours within The Navy League of Canada, recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the organization and its mission. This prestigious award is presented annually at the discretion of the National President to a recipient who exemplifies exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to The Navy League of Canada.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the member may be a registered branch participant or associate member and have demonstrated all of the following:

• Demonstrated outstanding leadership;
• Made significant and sustained contributions to the organization and youth development in excess of 8 years;
• Commitment to the League’s mission and values; and
• Contributed in making a meaningful impact on the institution.

Application Process

The Corps/Branch should complete the Awards Application Form. The application form should include recommendations from the Corps Commanding Officer and the Branch President, as required. The application should include the following:

• Detailed description of the contributions made by the nominee;
• Letters of recommendation – Commanding Officer, Branch President, and up to two additional letters (maximum of 4 total);
• Completed applications should be forwarded to the Division for recommendation before being considered.

The Award is in the form of a certificate. The Award will be issued by the National Office for presentation by the Division.

NL MEMBER OF THE YEAR

The nominee must be a registered branch participant or an honourary life member of the League. Associate Members are not eligible for this award.

SEA CADET CORPS OFFICER OF THE YEAR

The nominee must be a COATS Member (CIC or NCM) actively working in support of Sea Cadet Corps.

NL CADET OFFICER OF THE YEAR

The nominee must be a Navy League Officer, working at a NL Cadet Corps or serving as a Division Area Officer.

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF SCROLL OF APPRECIATION

Each year, a League member may be honoured with the Chief of Defence Staff Scroll of Appreciation. Divisions may submit nominations via letter to the National Office.

The award is in the form of a certificate.

SOVEREIGN’S MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers is a prestigious Canadian honour that recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements. Awarded by the Governor General, this medal celebrates individuals who have made a significant and sustained impact on their communities through dedicated volunteer service. It highlights the vital contributions of volunteers who selflessly devote their time and efforts to improving the lives of others, embodying the values of compassion, generosity, and community spirit.

Where an individual is being nominated for the SMV for their Navy League service, the nominations should be forwarded to the National Office.

Nominations should include three (3) letters of recommendation that demonstrate the longevity of service and commitment to the League’s mission and values.

There is no deadline for the nomination – the National Office will nominate individuals twice per year (September and March).

Application and Nomination Process

The process for nominating League Members for a Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers includes submitting a MS Word document to the National Office with the following information:

• Nominee’s full name, including salutation (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss., or Dr.) – note there are no military/naval rank choices;
• Narrative – minimum 500 words;
• Language of correspondence (French or English);
• Gender (Unspecified, Male or Female);
• Canadian Citizen (Yes or No);
• Date of Birth;
• Contact Information: Phone, Email Address;
• Full civic address of nominee.

TESTIMONIAL AWARD

The Testimonial Certificate is awarded by Branches/Corps to members who have served with the League for three (3) or more years and have demonstrated a clear understanding of, and dedication to, the Purposes and Objects of The Navy League of Canada.

Application Process

The Corps/Branch should complete the Awards Application Form and submit it to the Division. The approving authority is the Division Office.

This award may only be granted once to any individual.

The award is in the form of a certificate, which can be obtained from the Division Office.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The Certificate of Service is a recognition awarded by The Navy League of Canada to individuals who have served with the League. This certificate honours the dedication and commitment of those who have contributed their time and effort to support The Navy League's mission.

The League recognizes service for a minimum of five years and awards it in intervals of five years thereafter.

Note change: Eligible recipients may be eligible for a service pin, which may be worn in accordance with NL Dress Regulations.

Application Process

The Corps/Branch should complete the Awards Application Form and submit it to the Division. The approving authority is the Division Office.

NAVY LEAGUE OF CANADA LONG SERVICE MEDAL

Awarded in recognition of ten or more years of dedicated service to The Navy League of Canada and/or its youth programs. Service may be cumulative and not necessarily uninterrupted.

A "fouled anchor" bar will be awarded to the medal for each additional ten years of service. Please refer to Annex B.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the individual should be a registered branch participant or associate member (adult).

Cadet service time is not eligible for the NL Long Service Medal.

Application Process

A completed Award Application Form should be submitted to the Division Office for consideration. The Division Office is the approving authority.

The Award is in the form of a certificate and medal (with service bars). Divisions are responsible for the certificate and medal.

DIVISION PRESIDENT’S PIN / SERVICE CERTIFICATE

The Division President’s Pin/Certificate is presented to recognize the service of a volunteer who was appointed as Division President. This recognition honours individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the Division's goals and accepted a leadership role within the Division Council.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the individual must have served as a Division President.

The award consists of a gold lapel pin, to be presented by the National President at the next Annual General Meeting of the National Board of Directors.

A Certificate of Service as Division President will be presented at the conclusion of the President’s term.

There is no application form for this award.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE

The Meritorious Service Certificate is a distinguished honour recognizing individuals or groups who have supported the League for a minimum of seven (7) years and made significant contributions to the League or our youth programs.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, the individual should have demonstrated any of the following:

• Commitment to the League or Cadet Corps;
• Demonstrated leadership; and
• Made significant contributions to the organization and youth development.

Application Process

The Corps/Branch should complete the Awards Application Form. The application form should include recommendations from the Corps Commanding Officer and the Branch President, as required. The application should include:

• Detailed description of the contributions made by the nominee;
• Letters of recommendation – Commanding Officer, Branch President, and up to one additional letter (maximum of 2 letters).

The Award is in the form of a certificate. The approving authority for the award is the Division President or designate. The Award will be issued by the National Office for presentation by the Division.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

May be awarded by the National Board of Directors to Registered Branch Participants, Associate Members, or Supporters who have completed twenty-five (25) years of service or have served as National President.

This award is in the form of a certificate and carries special privileges as per By-Laws.

To nominate a member for this award, a League Member must complete the Awards Application Form. The application form will also require a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation, including:

• Branch President;
• Division President;
• Any other person wishing to attest to the good character and dedication of the nominee.

The completed application is then sent to the Division President (or their designate) for review. Once the Division has confirmed the service, the application should be forwarded to the National Office.

The approving authority for Honorary Life Membership is the National Board of Directors.

RETIRED AWARDS

Effective September 1st, 2024, the following awards have been retired and are no longer available through the National Office:

• Distinguished Service Award – merged with the Meritorious Service Award
• Honour Certificate
• Award of Service – merged with the Certificate of Service
• Navy League Cadet Excellence Badge
• NL Cadet Merit Badge
• Perfect Attendance Certificate
• Career Perfect Attendance Certificate
• Award of Appreciation
• Community Service Award

CADET CORPS GROWTH AWARDS

GROWTH AWARD

Awarded annually to Navy League Cadet Corps and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps that have shown a marked increase in enrolment, as recorded on the Annual Inspection Reports or Annual Statistics.

There is no application process for this Award.

Results will automatically be calculated each year:

• Gold Growth Award – Growth of 50% or more
• Silver Growth Award – Growth of 35% – 49%
• Bronze Growth Award – Growth of 20% – 34%

The award will be presented in September or October (Fall).

The award is in the form of a certificate.

The approving authority of the Cadet Corps Growth Award:

• Bronze Level: Division Board of Directors
• Silver & Gold Levels: National Board of Directors

For the Silver and Gold levels, nominations should be submitted by the Division Office to the National Office.

MARITIME AFFAIRS AWARDS

ROBERT I. HENDY DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

May be awarded to an individual by the National Board of Directors who has made outstanding contributions or achievements of national or international significance in the area of maritime affairs or youth development. Named in memory of Robert I. Hendy, a notable figure in the Navy League’s history, this award recognizes those whose efforts have significantly advanced the organization's mission and values. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their exemplary achievements, which have left a lasting impact on The Navy League and its programs.

Application Process

The nominator should complete the Awards Application Form and forward it to the National Vice President, Maritime Affairs, c/o the National Office.

The nomination should include a narrative outlining the contributions made by the individual. The nominator or nominee does not have to be a member of the League and may be from an outside organization.

A selection committee will review the applications and make recommendations for the laureate. The approving authority is the National Board of Directors.

The award is in the form of a certificate and a plaque.

J.J. KINLEY AWARD

Named in recognition of J.J. Kinley’s significant contributions, this award acknowledges those whose commitment and efforts have greatly enhanced the Navy League’s mission.

May be awarded by the National Board of Directors to a Unit/Section of the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, or Canadian Armed Forces who have made remarkable contributions in support of naval and maritime interests, which are in keeping with the highest principles of The Navy League of Canada.

Application Process

The nominator should complete the Awards Application Form and forward it to the National Vice President, Maritime Affairs, c/o the National Office.

The nomination should include a narrative outlining the contributions made by the individual. The nominator or nominee does not have to be a member of the League and may be from outside the organization.

A selection committee will review the applications and make recommendations for the laureate.

The approving authority is the National Board of Directors.

The award is in the form of a certificate and a plaque.

VICE ADMIRAL PETER CAIRNS LEADERSHIP AWARD

To celebrate Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Peter Cairns as a leader and innovator, this award pays tribute to his leadership within the marine sector and his resilience in the face of political, bureaucratic, and competitive challenges. His efforts to create harmony and advance a long-term industrial strategy for Canada spanned more than 20 years. This award recognizes individuals who embody these same leadership principles.

Eligibility

• Collaboration, Innovation, Loyalty, & Persistence
• Innovation and/or thought leadership in the marine sector
• Championing the industry
• Serves as an inspiration for others

Application Process

The nominator should complete the Awards Application Form and forward it to the National Vice President, Maritime Affairs, c/o the National Office.

The nomination should include a narrative outlining the contributions made by the individual. The nominator or nominee does not have to be a member of the League and may be from outside the organization.

A selection committee will review the applications and make recommendations for the laureate.

The approving authority is the National Board of Directors.

LOCKHEED MARTIN CANADA – ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY CENTENNIAL AWARD

The Canadian Navy Centennial Award is established to recognize excellence among junior non-commissioned personnel in the Royal Canadian Navy as part of unofficial celebrations marking the centennial of the Royal Canadian Navy.

This award is a closed application process, with nominations considered from the Royal Canadian Navy.

The selection committee consists of:

• The Navy League of Canada
• The Royal Canadian Navy
• Lockheed Martin Canada

ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET SCHOLARSHIPS

The Navy League of Canada recognizes the importance of post-secondary education to the future success of its Cadet Members. The Navy League encourages all cadets to apply themselves to their studies and believes that the important life skills developed through cadet training (self-discipline, organization, teamwork, etc.) help prepare youth to tackle the challenges of college or university education. However, for many Canadian youth, the economic burden is too great, causing them to miss out on the tremendous opportunities that come with higher education.

YOUNG CITIZENS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The primary mission of The Young Citizens Foundation is to support young Canadians in becoming dedicated, informed, and active citizens of Canada.

The National Office will choose the recipient based on the National Sea Cadet of the Year applicants who are either in their final year of high school or have graduated and are planning to attend or have applied to an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada. No application form is required for this scholarship.

MARITIME AFFAIRS SCHOLARSHIPS

May be awarded to a Sea Cadet pursuing a maritime/marine-related program of studies at a recognized Canadian college or university. The scholarship is valued at a maximum amount of $3000.00.

Applications can be made on Form NL(55)E Maritime Affairs Scholarship and forwarded to the National Office.

NATIONAL SEA CADET SCHOLARSHIPS

These scholarships are for Sea Cadets entering any accredited post-secondary institution and are administered by the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Education Foundation (RCSCEF) c/o National Office.

Web Site/Site Web: canadianseacadetscholarships.ca