Operational Service Medal — HUMANITAS Ribbon

Summary#

Order Awarding the Operational Service Medal With the HUMANITAS Ribbon: SI/2020-9 changes who counts as eligible for the Operational Service Medal when wearing the HUMANITAS ribbon, defines the ribbon’s look, and sets where it is worn among other Operational Service Medals. The order was made on December 19, 2019 and published in the Canada Gazette on January 8, 2020.

What it does#

• Repeals the earlier order P.C. 2010-1097.
• Says that service performed outside Canada on an approved humanitarian mission in response to a natural disaster or human conflict (including rescue, relief and reconstruction) can qualify for the Operational Service Medal with the HUMANITAS ribbon.
• Sets the minimum time rules for qualifying service:
  • 30 cumulative days for service between August 1, 2009 and April 27, 2015;
  • 14 cumulative days for service beginning April 28, 2015; or
  • a combination of the two periods that adds up to at least 14 cumulative days.
• Specifies the ribbon design: 32 mm wide, with a 27-mm white center stripe flanked by 2.5-mm red stripes.
• Places the HUMANITAS ribbon in the order of wear: after all Operational Service Medals with geographic area–specific ribbons and before the Operational Service Medal with the EXPEDITION ribbon.

Who's affected#

• People whose service outside Canada on an approved humanitarian mission matches the new time and mission rules are the ones affected.
• The notice does not list specific job titles or categories. It refers to service recognized under the Operational Service Medal Regulations.
• It is not spelled out in the notice whether any particular civilian roles or non-military participants are included; eligibility follows the Regulations.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies what kinds of humanitarian deployments and how much time on those deployments make someone eligible for this medal.
• The ribbon design and the medal’s place in the wearing order are fixed, so recipients and uniformed personnel know how to display it.
• Repealing the 2010 order and restating the rules may change or confirm eligibility for people who served on relevant missions between August 1, 2009 and after April 28, 2015.