Legacy of Montréal's 375th anniversary - One month left to propose candidates for the Ordre de Montréal, the city's highest honourary distinction

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre, wishes to remind you that there is one month left to submit candidacies for the prestigious Ordre de Montréal award, which was created as a legacy of Montréal's 375th anniversary. The public call for proposals for this first year was launched in September in major Montréal newspapers, and will continue until October 31.

The Ordre de Montréal, which is the city's highest honourary distinction, pays tribute to the men and women who contribute in a remarkable way to the development and reputation of the city.

"Among us are men and women of talent, passion and determination who help to make Montréal an extraordinary city where life is good… an unrivalled city of which we are proud. These persons may be involved in a variety of fields and help promote Montréal's local and international reputation. They contribute to the advancement of our society and help build a better world. They are inspirers, models and ambassadors. You probably know one of these remarkable individuals or work with one of them, and admire them. I invite you to submit their candidacy," said the Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre.

Nominations
One cannot submit his or her own candidacy for the Ordre de Montréal. Nominations must be submitted by a third party and supported by two persons. Candidates, persons who submit a candidacy, or those supporting a candidacy, must meet the following criteria:

• Have been born within the territory of the Montréal urban agglomeration.
• Reside or have resided within the same territory for at least five years.
• Carry out or have carried out professional activities within this same territory for at least five years.

The Ordre de Montréal
Starting in 2017, on May 17 of each year or the day of the founding of Montréal, 17 citizens of exception will be awarded the Ordre de Montréal medal in one of the following categories: commandeur-commandeure (commander), officier-officière (officer), chevalier-chevalière (knight). This medal is now part of the city's official symbols, in the same way as the coat of arms adopted in 1833, and the flag in 1938. Marked by nobility and prestige, the Ordre de Montréal adopts the same motto: Concordia Salus, or well-being through harmony, highlighting the values dear to Montrealers: Living Together, diversity and openness to the world.

The Ordre of Montréal takes over from the Académie des Grands Montréalais, which was created in 1988 by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, and

which itself had taken over an initiative by the Canadian National introduced ten years earlier. From 1978 to 2014, approximately 100 Montrealers were recognized for their involvement in the city's cultural, economic and social environments. Out of respect for this outstanding legacy, these personalities will be admitted officially as members of the Ordre de Montréal in December 2016 at a special ceremony to mark the launching of Montréal's 375th anniversary celebrations.

A prestigious council
The members of the Ordre de Montréal council will examine each application file rigorously to ensure the institution's prestige. This council will be made up of nine personalities and will be presided over by one man and one woman. Lawyer and world renowned judge, the Honourable Louise Arbour, and explorer and alpinist, Bernard Voyer, have accepted to preside over the first council, whose members will be appointed soon.

"I would like to thank the co-chairs Arbour and Voyer, who will examine the scope, originality and impact of the achievements of the nominees on society and make recommendations for admission to the Ordre de Montréal to the executive committee, which will name the recipients," said Mayor Coderre.

They will be recognized for one of the following merits:

• Their decisive contribution to the development of Montréal.
• Their notable contribution to the national or international reputation of Montréal.
• Their exemplary commitment to the community.
• Their exceptional professional achievements.

Creation of the medal
Like most honourary orders, the Ordre de Montréal medal is presented as an elegant family of insignias, whose material and size vary according to the honourary category. The medal was designed by Jacques Desbiens, industrial designer and winner of the first prize following the call for creation of the Ordre de Montréal medal, which was launched in 2015 by the city's Bureau du design.

Images of the medal are available at:
http://montreal2.qc.ca/photosdepresse/Ordre-de-Montreal

For more information on the Ordre de Montréal, or to submit a candidate, please visit: https://ville.montreal.qc.ca/ordre/en

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

For further information: Marc-André Gosselin, attaché de presse, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, 514 290-1194; Information: Renée Pageau, relationniste, Service des communications, 514 868-4580