Order of British Columbia

Order of British Columbia
Name	Order of British Columbia
Type	Provincial order
Established	1989
Eligibility	Residents of British Columbia
Status	Active
Head	Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
Post nominals	OBC

Order of British Columbia

The Order of British Columbia is the highest civic honour conferred by the Canadian province of British Columbia and recognizes conspicuous achievements and outstanding service to the people of British Columbia (province), Canada. It was instituted during the premiership of Bill Vander Zalm and first conferred under the viceregal authority of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; subsequent appointees have included figures associated with institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Royal Columbian Hospital, and cultural bodies like the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Recipients span fields represented by organizations such as BC Hydro, BC Ferries, BC Lions, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

History

The order was created in 1989 following provincial initiatives linked to precedents set by the Order of Canada and other provincial honours such as the Order of Ontario and the Order of Manitoba. Its establishment involved officeholders including the Premier of British Columbia at the time, Bill Vander Zalm, and the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, with procedures modeled after Crown honours systems exemplified by the Monarchy of Canada and the Governor General of Canada awards framework. Early appointments reflected ties to institutions like the University of Victoria, the Royal BC Museum, the BC Cancer Agency, and municipal bodies including the City of Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia.

Eligibility and Criteria

Eligibility is limited to living residents of British Columbia (province), excluding current members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia while in office, and is informed by criteria paralleling other honours such as the Order of Canada. Nominees are assessed for lifetime contributions to fields represented by bodies like the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Bar Association, BC Teachers' Federation, Canadian Olympic Committee, and cultural organizations such as the Vancouver Opera and Bard on the Beach. Consideration often includes achievements with impact on entities like Province of British Columbia ministries, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and community groups such as the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations originate from members of the public and organizations including professional associations like the Law Society of British Columbia, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, trade unions like the British Columbia Federation of Labour, and philanthropic foundations such as the Vancouver Foundation. Submissions are reviewed by an advisory council chaired by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and composed of members drawn from institutions including the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the British Columbia Museum Association, and representatives of indigenous bodies such as the First Nations Summit and the BC Assembly of First Nations. Final selections are announced by the Premier of British Columbia and formalized through letters patent under the provincial great seal associated with the Government of British Columbia.

Insignia and Post-nominals

The insignia comprises a medallion bearing provincial symbols displayed in collaboration with heraldic authorities like the Canadian Heraldic Authority; design elements echo emblems found at sites such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and motifs used by the Royal Canadian Mint. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters OBC and often receive regalia produced by artisans affiliated with organizations like the British Columbia Craft Council and retailers in cities including Victoria, British Columbia and Vancouver. The insignia’s manufacture involves silversmiths and heralds historically connected to commissions similar to those for the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Investiture Ceremony

Investitures are presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and held at venues such as the Government House (British Columbia), the Royal Theatre (Victoria), or civic centres in cities like Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Ceremonies have included participation from officials tied to the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, cultural performers from ensembles like the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and dignitaries from institutions such as the University of British Columbia and the BC Lions. The protocol reflects practices used in investitures for the Order of Canada, with proclamation elements comparable to those at the Rideau Hall.

Notable Members

Notable appointees have included leaders from medicine, law, arts, and business connected to organizations and works such as Terry Fox-related foundations, the Vancouver Art Gallery, BC Hydro, and universities including the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Appointees have ranged from politicians affiliated with parties like the BC Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (British Columbia) to cultural figures associated with the Vancouver Opera, sports figures from the Vancouver Canucks and BC Lions, and scientists linked to the BC Cancer Agency and the National Research Council Canada.

Controversies and Criticism

Controversies have mirrored debates seen around honours such as the Order of Canada and involved questions about selections tied to political figures like former premiers, ties to corporations such as BC Hydro and BC Ferries, and disputes over appointments from contentious sectors including resource companies and institutions implicated in environmental disputes like those involving the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines proposal. Critics, including commentators from outlets such as the Vancouver Sun and the Globe and Mail, have raised concerns about transparency and the advisory council’s composition relative to groups such as the First Nations Summit and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada Category:British Columbia