The ‘New’ Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand Victoria Cross
The British version of the decoration was eliminated in Canada after the matter was studied in 1987, although Canada established its own VC only after Australia did so in 1991, albeit retaining its name and general design.
Australia has awarded four VCs since creating their own medal; New Zealand, one - all of these awards being for actions in Afghanistan.
The new Canadian version is cast from some of the bronze supposedly used for Britain’s VCs and was donated by Queen Elizabeth II. Added to that bronze was metal from the 1967 Confederation Medal and from each of Canada’s regions.
The ‘Canadianisation’ of the VC included native flora and a new motto ‘Pro Valore’ instead of ‘For Valour’, thus conveniently avoiding the potentially divisive use of either of Canada’s two official languages.
Only 20 Canadian VCs and six bars have been cast; two went to the British Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, while the others remain in Ottawa.
Meanwhile, the British Empire VC may only be awarded for actions against an enemy in wartime. Canada’s definition of the term ‘enemy’ is broader; the medal and its $3,000 annuity can be awarded for action against armed mutineers, pirates, or other hostile forces without an official declaration of war.
So far, no ‘Canadian’ Victoria Crosses have been awarded.