(French: Médaille canadienne du maintien de la paix) is a campaign medal created October 21, 1999 to recognize the contributions of all Canadian Peacekeepers toward the ultimate goal of peace, after the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations was awarded that year’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Context: The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to all United Nations Peacekeepers in 1988 in recognition of their collective efforts in the cause of peace. This inspired the creation of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) to acknowledge the unique contribution to peace that Canadian peacekeepers have made since 1947.
Eligibility and Criteria: This medal is awarded for a minimum of 30 days cumulative service in a UN or international peacekeeping mission.
Description: The medal is circular, 36 mm diameter.
On the Obverse: In the centre of the obverse are three figures of unarmed observers. Above them flies a dove. The words “PEACEKEEPING” and “SERVICE DE LA PAIX” are written around the three figures separated by two maple leafs on either side.
On the Reverse: In the centre of the reverse is the Queen’s Cypher on a maple leaf, surrounded by two sprigs of laurel and the word “CANADA”.
The ribbon is 32 mm wide and consists of a central stripe of United Nations blue on each side of which are stripes of white, red and green. The blue in the official colour of the United Nations organization under which authority most of the peacekeeping missions are conducted, the green represents service, the white is the colour of peace, the red represents the bloodshed in the service of peace. Red and white are also the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921.