History

The Alberta Order of Excellence was established on November 16, 1979, to recognize individuals who have provided distinguished service and excellence on behalf of the province's residents. It is the highest provincial honour.

The obverse features a silver, gilt, and enamel medallion, with gold detailing representative of prairie wheat. Burnished gold roses portray the floral emblem of Alberta while the province's coat of arms is superimposed in the middle, surrounded by the inscription [THE ALBERTA ORDER OF EXCELLENCE]. The reverse features a Canadian maple leaf and a wreath of wheat. The medal is suspended from a white, blue, burgundy, and gold ribbon.

The Order was granted status to the Official Precedence of Canadian Orders, Decorations, and Medals on April 2, 1998.

Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominals "AOE."