Honorifics in Canada are accorded to various office holders in government—in the federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdictions—as well as judges, members of the armed forces, and religious figures. Two styles—the Right Honourable and Honourable—are considered formal, while others, such as Your Excellency, are regarded as honorific and complimentary to the formal styles.[1] Honours stem from the Canadian Crown.
Members of the Executive Council (provincial ministers) of three provinces
Nova Scotia (since 2009, initially only those who ended their ministerial service after 2009. In 2010 the privilege was extended to all living former ministers who ended their service earlier. In 2014 the privilege was further granted to six living former speakers[4])[5]
So styled for life, by nature of being honorary members of the Executive Council pursuant to specific legislations, subject to removal upon conviction of certain offences
Tupper was appointed after he was no longer Prime Minister.
Lord Byng was not a member, but was entitled to be styled as such by nature of being a viscount.
The following Canadians were granted the right to be styled the Right Honourable without having been prime minister, chief justice or governor general of Canada, or minister in the UK government.
2002: Herb Gray (on advice of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien upon the end of his service as Chretien's Deputy Prime Minister)
Military honorifics
Officers and non-commission members within the Canadian Armed Forces use ranks in accordance with the ranks and insignia of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, or the Royal Canadian Air Force, depending on which element they are a part of.[8][9] Although all of the rank structures of the separate services were abolished with the unification of all three into one Canadian Forces in 1964, distinctive uniforms, insignia, and rank names have been gradually restored since then. Former members who were honourably released after serving a minimum of 10 years may continue to use the rank title held at the time of release with the word "(Retired)" or abbreviation "(Ret'd)".[10] Similarly, members of the Supplementary Reserve sub-component of the Reserve Force may use their rank in the same manner as former members, unless on duty or engaged in military activities.[11]
Religious honorifics
Religions are free to use their own titles and honorifics, provided they do not contradict those used elsewhere in Canada. This is seen in the use of the style His Excellency by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops, which is not recognized by Canadian civil authorities.[12]
