History

The Meritorious Service Cross was founded as a military service award on June 11, 1984, and was extended as a civil service award on June 6, 1991. The award is one of two meritorious service awards that was created by Queen Elizabeth II to recognize acts of extreme professionalism that benefit the Canadian Armed Services or the nation.

The Military Division Cross is conferred upon members of the Canadian Armed Forces, or members of a foreign military force, for the exceptional performance of a military deed which greatly benefits the Canadian Armed Forces. In order to be eligible for the award, the service has to have been rendered on or after June 1984.

The Civil Division Cross is conferred upon Canadian and non-Canadian civilians who perform a deed with great professional or render exceptional service which greatly benefits Canada. In order to be eligible for the award, the service has to have been rendered on or after June 1984.

The Cross may be conferred multiple times. Upon the subsequent conferral, the recipient receives a silver bar with a maple leaf at the centre.

The ribbon of the Military Division is blue with two white stripes.

The ribbon of the Civil Division is blue with three white stripes.