ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Orders, decorations, and medals of Canada

Okay kiddo, imagine you're in a club, and your club members are really good at playing a certain game. To show how good they are, the club gives out awards or medals to those who really stand out.

The same thing applies to Canada. People who have done great things like helping others, doing well in sports or science, or serving the country can receive awards or medals to celebrate their achievements.

These awards or medals are divided into three groups: orders, decorations, and medals.

Orders are like the super special medals. They are given to people who have made a huge contribution to Canada. There are two orders in Canada - the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit.

Decorations are given to people who have done something really special or brave in service to Canada. There are a lot of different decorations, like the Cross of Valour or the Meritorious Service Cross.

Finally, medals are given to people who have done something outstanding in a specific area, like sports or the military. There are tons of different medals, like the Governor General's Academic Medal or the Special Service Medal.

So, in short, orders, decorations, and medals are like awards given to people who have made Canada proud with their amazing achievements.