Submit a nomination
Last updated on April 10, 2024
The Order represents the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens. The Order will be bestowed on the most outstanding British Columbians who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province or elsewhere.
On this page:
Nominations are open
Nominations for the Order of British Columbia are accepted all year. British Columbians are encouraged to consider and nominate inspiring individuals who have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields.
Eligibility
Individuals may be nominated for demonstrating outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in any field. Any resident of British Columbia, or former long-term resident, is eligible for the Order of British Columbia.
You can't nominate yourself for the honour. Nominees must be living at the time of nomination and must not be a current federal, provincial or municipal elected representative. Chiefs or other members of a governing body of an Indigenous nation are eligible to be nominated. If more than one nomination is submitted for the same nominee, only the first complete nomination received will be considered. The honour isn't for acts of bravery.
Examples of potential nominees include individuals who have garnered accomplishments in business, community leadership, science, the arts or sports.
Write a nomination
Before you submit a nomination, find out how to write a compelling nomination (PDF).
Your nomination must:
- Include the completed and signed nomination form
- Briefly explain why your nominee is a worthy candidate (maximum 40 words)
- Describe their background and achievements (maximum 500 words)
- Include 2 signed testimonials from 2 separate individuals other than the nominator
When you describe the nominee's achievements, you should explain:
- Examples of how they have demonstrated outstanding qualities
- What they have done to make things better for others
- What they have done that sets them apart
- The role(s) or area(s) in which they have excelled
- How well they’re known outside of British Columbia or Canada for their contributions
- How their contribution has been sustained over a number of years
- Evidence of other awards or recognition received by the nominee
You can also share additional material such as supplementary testimonials, publications or media stories.
Submit a nomination
There are three options to submit a nomination, using our online form, through email, or by mail or courier.
Submit a nomination by April 4, 2025 for consideration in 2025.
Use the online form
Nominate someone for the honour It takes about 15 minutes.
The nomination form works best using Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
By email
You can also fill out a Order of British Columbia Nomination Form (PDF). The nomination must be submitted by email to bchonoursandawards@gov.bc.ca and include:
- Signed nomination form
- Two signed testimonials
If you don't submit your nomination as a complete package, it may be declined.
By mail and courier
Nomination packages can also be mailed.
By regular mail:
Honours and Awards Secretariat
P.O. Box 9422 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9V1
By courier:
Honours and Awards Secretariat
2nd Floor, 620 Superior Street
Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1V2
Please do not inform the nominee of their nomination. The large number of applications we receive means that the honour cannot be awarded to all nominees.
All nominations are confidential. Should your nominee be unsuccessful, you will be informed by letter and have the option to carry forward your nomination for consideration in the following year’s selection process. Nominations and letters of support are valid for three years before new information needs to be submitted.
Ask a question
By email: bchonoursandawards@gov.bc.ca
By phone: 250-387-1616