Companion of the Order of Canada

The Order of Canada announcement of June 2022 included the appointment of Stacey Allaster as a Companion of the Order of Canada, for her trailblazing contributions to the advancement of gender equality in women’s professional tennis and for her dedicated mentorship in the sports management industry.

The official investiture ceremony at which Stacey received her insignia from governor-general Mary Simon at Rideau Hall in Ottawa was on October 3 2024.

The Order of Canada is one of our country’s highest honours. It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation.
Since its creation is 1967 – Canada’s centennial year – more than 7600 people have been invested into the Order. The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Their grit and passion inspire us, teach us, and show us the way forward. They exemplify the Order’s motto : DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM, which translates to “They desire a better country.”

His Majesty the King is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.

Appointments are made by the governor general – on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada – for sustained achievement at three levels: Companion, Officer and Member. Companion recognizes outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.

The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto. The annulus is surmounted by the Royal Crown. The insignia is struck in fine silver and is composed of three individual pieces: the snowflake, annulus and maple leaf. The colour is added by hand through a unique application of opaque and translucent resin- based enamel. The striking six-point white insignia has come to symbolize our northern heritage and our diversity, because no two snowflakes are alike. All insignias are proudly crafted by hand at the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.