Important Nomination Process Updates (Aug 2025):
1) New Section in the Admission Form
The form for admission to the order was changed earlier this year to include SJA’s Values (section B5). In the space below section B5, nominators are meant to provide examples of how their candidates exemplify the SJA values. This was commonly missed last year, so nominators should be directed to comment with specific examples.
2) General Advice for Nominators
For promotion within the Order:
- Nominations have to be based on new contributions from the nominee since their last admission/promotion.
- Length of service won’t be sufficient to admit or promote someone through the Order.
- To promote to Officer: Nominations are assessed based on having successfully demonstrated leadership at a regional level in a position carrying substantial responsibility or at a local level carrying major responsibility.
- To promote to Commander: Nominations are assessed based on having successfully demonstrated leadership at a regional level, in a position carrying substantial responsibility or have demonstrated exceptional leadership and performed meritorious service at a local level.
- To promote to Knight or Dame: Nominations are assessed based on having successfully demonstrated leadership at a national or regional level, in a position carrying major responsibility, or having demonstrated exceptional leadership and performed meritorious service at a local level.
For admission to the Order:
- To be admitted to the Order as a Member, nominees are assessed as having performed good and devoted service to the Order through sustained voluntary commitment of time, skills, and/or resources to St. John.
For nomination to the Priory/Council Vote of Thanks:
- For successful nomination to the Priory Vote of Thanks (PVOT), the nominees need to be a non-St. John individual or organization who have given special service to St. John outside of any contractual arrangements, and that is not financial in nature.
- The Council Vote of Thanks (previously the British Columbia Council Award) is awarded for service or assistance that has contributed to the work of St. John through a Council, which may include transportation or assistance for meetings (but cannot be awarded for financial donations).
For Nomination for the St. John Medallion:
- The St. John Medallion is used to recognize volunteers, members of paid staff, or individuals who have made significant contributions to philanthropy.
Signature from a different brigade member
- Section D needs to be completed and signed by a different brigade member than the rest of the application.
The Order of St. John Honours Nomination Process
Admission to or promotion within The Order celebrates the spirit of humanitarian service, offering a pathway to recognition for those dedicated to its mission.
The Honours and Awards at St. John Ambulance honour the exceptional service of our volunteers through a detailed and respectful process. This timeline outlines each crucial step, from the initial nomination to the final approval, highlighting our commitment to thorough recognition of outstanding contributions:
Nomination Submission Deadlines:
Twice a year, nominations are accepted. Exact dates vary but are typically set in advance.
2025 | Spring submission:TBD Fall submission:August 29, 2025 |
Submit a Nomination |
BCY Council Review and Approval Stage:
Nominations remain confidential by the nominator, the BCY Council and the National Honours and Awards committees during the review & approval process. The nominee is not informed until the final approval stage.
Within four weeks after the submission deadline, the BCY Council Committee reviews each nomination thoroughly to ensure fairness and transparency. Once the committee has reached a decision, as a nominator, you will receive timely feedback regarding the approval or decline of the nomination.
National Committee Review and Approval Stage:
The BCY Council-approved nominations are forwarded to the National Honours and Awards Committee for further review, following some or all of the steps below:
National Committee Evaluation | The National Committee reviews each nomination across Canada from all councils and makes further recommendations. |
International Recognition | Recommendations are sent to the UK for approval by the Grand Prior, adding international acclaim. |
Sanction by the Governor General of Canada | Successful nominations receive sanction from the Governor General of Canada for specific honours like the Order of St. John. |
Final approval Stage by the Grand Prior | Awards remain anonymous until the approval stage by the Grand Prior, preserving the integrity of the selection process. |
Announcement | Successful nominees are officially informed and recognized after the final approval stages. The entire process, from nomination to final approval, can take up to two years. |
Honours and Awards Presentation
Honours and Awards presentation takes place at various ceremonies throughout the year, such as the Investiture. In some cases, successful nominees are only informed of their recognition during these special presentation events, adding to the significance and prestige of the occasion.
Who can nominate someone for admission to or promotion within the Order?
Nominator Requirement:
Who Can Nominate | Only active members of The Order can submit nominations. |
Approval Required | Nominations must be endorsed by both the Chair of the Council Honours and Awards Committee and the Council Chair. |
Who is eligible to be nominated for admission to or promotion within the Order?
Nominating for The Order of St. John Honours is a prestigious process aimed at recognizing individuals who exemplify the Order's humanitarian values. Here's a straightforward guide to determining nominee eligibility.
Admission / Promotion Criteria:
Age Requirement | Nominees must be at least 18 years old. |
Character and Conduct | Candidates should exhibit exemplary character, aligning with the Order's values. Active lobbying for nomination is discouraged. |
Citizenship | Nominees should be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. |
Contribution to the Order | Nomination is based on significant contributions to the aims and objectives of the Order, including volunteer service and commitment. |
Past Activities | Consideration for admission or promotion is based on past activities, not future promises, reflecting the true commitment to the Order's mission. |
Admission as Member | Admission to the Order is normally at the level of Member (Grade V), and then promotion may follow in accordance with the provisions of this regulation. Admission at a Grade higher than Member (Grade V) is exceptional and should be treated as such. |
Membership Grades | Based on their service and involvement, nominees can be considered for different grades within the Order:
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St. John Medallion Nomination Process
The Honours and Awards Program at St. John Ambulance honours the exceptional service of our volunteers, staff and supporters through a detailed and respectful process. This timeline outlines each crucial step, from the initial nomination to the final approval, highlighting our commitment to thorough recognition of outstanding contributions:
Nomination Submission Period:
Twice a year, nominations are accepted. Exact dates vary but are typically set in advance.
2025 | Spring submission:TBD Fall submission:August 29, 2025 |
Submit a Nomination |
BCY Council Review and Approval Stage:
Nominations remain confidential by the nominator, the BCY Council and the National Honours and Awards committees during the review & approval process. The nominee is not informed until the final approval stage is completed or later.
Within four weeks after the submission deadline, the BCY Council Committee reviews each nomination thoroughly to ensure fairness and transparency. Once the committee has reached a decision, as a nominator, you will receive timely feedback regarding the approval or decline of the nomination.
National Committee Review and Approval Stage (for National awards only):
For National level awards, the BCY Council-approved nominations are forwarded to the National Honours and Awards Committee for further review, following some or all of the steps below:
National Committee Evaluation | The National Committee reviews each nomination across Canada from all councils and makes further recommendations. |
Final approval Stage by the Grand Prior | Awards remain anonymous until the approval stage by the Grand Prior, preserving the integrity of the selection process. |
Announcement | Successful nominees are officially informed and recognized after the final approval stages. The entire process, from nomination to final approval of the National level awards, can take up to two years. |
Honours and Awards Presentation
Honours and Awards presentation takes place at various ceremonies throughout the year, such as the Investiture. In some cases, successful nominees are only informed of their recognition during these special presentation events, adding to the significance and prestige of the occasion.
Are you eligible to nominate someone for the St. John Medallion?
Nominator Requirement:
Who Can Nominate | Any St. John volunteer or staff member is eligible to submit nominations. |
Approval Required | Nominations must be endorsed by both the Chair of the Council Honours and Awards Committee and the Council Chair. |
Who is eligible to be nominated for the St. John Medallion?
Nominee Criteria:
Age Requirement | Nominees must be at least 18 years old. |
Citizenship | Nominees should be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. |
Award Categories | Dedicated Service:
Distinguished Service:
Excellence in Philanthropy:
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How do you nominate someone?
Our Honours & Awards Program allows you to honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment. Your nomination plays a crucial role in acknowledging the remarkable efforts of those dedicated to our community.
Please follow these simple steps and provide detailed and thoughtful information to help us understand the significance of the nominee's contributions. Your participation is invaluable in continuing the tradition of excellence within St. John Ambulance.
Step 0:Download Nomination Guidelines | Read the Nomination Guidelines : |
Step 1:Download Nomination Form | Choose the Nomination Form you need: |
Step 2:Fill Out the Form | Open the Nomination Form in Microsoft Word, provide all necessary information in all fields and save the document. Make sure you leave enough time to:
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STEP 3:Submit your Nomination Form online | Upload your Nomination Form to our online intake form before each submission deadline. Please only upload ONE nomination per submission. |