Lord Strathcona Medal

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Within the Canadian Cadet Movement, there exists the Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal (commonly known as the Lord Strathcona Medal or the simply the Strathcona Medal) which is given to one cadet per unit, per training year. The medal is one of the highest awards that may be given to Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

The following information comes from Cadet Administrative and Training Order (CATO) 13-16:

  • The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal, most commonly referred to as the Lord Strathcona Medal is the highest award, which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.
  • Lord Strathcona's objectives in establishing his endowment were to:
    • encourage the improvement of the physical and intellectual capabilities of cadets; and
    • foster patriotism in cadets through the acquisition of a good knowledge of military matters.
  • The medal, the Certificate of Merit and the lapel pin are awarded by the Lord Strathcona Trust.

[edit] Description

This decoration consists of a circular copper medallion with ribbon. On the obverse, in relief, is the effigy of Lord Strathcona, below the motto AGMINA DUCENS. On the reverse, the inscription "Strathcona Trust – Cadets of Canada" along the edge and "Honneur au mérite" at the centre. The ribbon, 1.25 inches wide (3.2 cm), has three vertical burgundy stripes separated by two vertical green stripes. This medal is presented with an undress ribbon.

[edit] Criteria to receive this medal

The criteria for the Lord Strathcona Medal are found in CATO 13-16. The criteria is the following:

  • have a high level of physical fitness;
  • have attended at least one summer camp of six weeks for sea and army cadets; or
  1. of three weeks duration for Air Cadets;
  • have qualified to a training level not below:
  1. Petty Officer 2nd Class in Sea Cadets;
  2. Silver Star in the Army Cadets;
  3. Level 3 in the Air Cadets;
  • have met all requirements of their corps’ mandatory training program and attended at least 75 per cent of the scheduled training parades in the year of nomination;
  • have met all requirements of their corps’ optional/support training program and participated in at least 50 per cent of scheduled activities in the year of nomination;
  • have completed three years as a cadet; and
  • be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.

[edit] Presentation of the Lord Strathcona Medal

Annex D of CATO 13-16

The master of ceremony, the CO RCSU or his/her deputy can read the following brief historical account on the Strathcona medal.

"The origin of the Strathcona Foundation dates back to 1909. Lord Strathcona, then High Commissioner for Canada in London, England, wished to improve the physical and intellectual capabilities of youths by encouraging habits of self-discipline, good citizenship and patriotism. To this end, he created the foundation bearing his name.

"In 1923, a medal was struck and awarded to the most deserving cadet of each corps. The medal is the highest award that can be granted to a cadet. The recipient was singled out amongst peers by an outstanding performance and a personal involvement in the community.

"I now ask the Commanding Officer to identify this year's most deserving cadet."