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The Order of Canada comprises the highest civilian honours within the Canadian system of honours, with membership awarded to those who exemplify the order's Latin motto, taken from Hebrews 11:16, desiderantes meliorem patriam, meaning "They desire a better country."

Created in 1967, the three-tiered order was established as a fellowship that recognizes the achievement of outstanding merit or distinguished service by Canadians, through life-long contributions in every field of endeavour, and who made a major difference to Canada, as well as the efforts made by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions. The Canadian monarch, at present Elizabeth II, is Sovereign of the order, and the serving Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, is its Chancellor and Principal Companion. Appointees into the order are selected by an advisory board and formally inducted by the Governor General; as of April 2008, 5,479 people have been appointed to the Order of Canada, including musicians, politicians, artists, athletes, television and film stars, benefactors, and others.