Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM)

Context

The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to all United Nations Peacekeepers in 1988 in recognition of their collective efforts in the cause of peace. This inspired the creation of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) to acknowledge the unique contribution to peace that Canadian peacekeepers have made since 1947.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for a minimum of 30 days cumulative service in a UN or international peacekeeping mission.

For more details, consult the Eligible Service List (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Description

The medal is a circular medal, 36 mm diameter.

• on the obverse: in the centre of the obverse is three figures of unarmed observer. Above them flies a dove. The words “PEACEKEEPING” and “SERVICE DE LA PAIX” are written around the three figures separated by two maple leafs on either side.
• on the reverse: in the centre of the reverse is the Royal Cypher on a maple leaf, surrounded by two sprigs of laurel and the word “CANADA”.
• A single-toe claw attaches to the top of the medal and to the centre of a straight, slotted bar. There is a maple leaf centred on the slotted bar.
• The ribbon is 32 mm wide and consists of a central stripe of United Nations blue on each side of which are stripes of white, red and green. The blue in the official colour of the United Nations, the organization under which authority most of the peacekeeping missions are conducted; the green represents service; the white is the colour of peace; the red represents the blood shed in the service of peace. Red and white are also the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner: on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the Special Service Medal and before United Nations medals.

Post-nominals

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.

Historical notes

Almost 125,000 Canadian personnel have served in peacekeeping missions over the past 53 years. This record is unsurpassed by any nation. This tradition in the “service of peace” continues today.

The medal was designed by Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty, CM, SOM, CD (Retired).

The inaugural ceremony took place on 6 September 2000 at the Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa where Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, CC, CMM, COM, CD, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the medal to 90 recipients representing the Canadian Forces (Serving and retired members), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Police Forces.

As of 31 December 2023, 78,056 medals have been issued.