The Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet

Canadian Cadet Movement

The Canadian Cadet Organizations, marketed under the term Cadets Canada, are youth cadet programs known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, and Air Cadets...

 in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.

Lord Strathcona

Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal

Sir Donald Alexander Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, GCMG, GCVO, PC, DL was a Scottish-born Canadian fur trader, financier, railroad baron and politician.-Early life:...

'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.

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.

Criteria to receive the medal

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

• have a high level of physical fitness;
• have completed at least one senior training course of six weeks for sea and army cadets; or of three weeks duration for Air Cadets;
• have qualified to a training level of at least:
  • Petty Officer 2nd Class in Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
    Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
    Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local...
    
    ;
  • Silver Star in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets
    Royal Canadian Army Cadets
    The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in...
    
    ;
  • Level 3 in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
    Royal Canadian Air Cadets
    Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
    
    ;
• have met all requirements of their corps’ mandatory training program;
• have met all requirements of their corps’ extracurricular support training program;
• have completed three years as a cadet; and
• be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.