[2] It is officially given "for outstanding achievement in watercolour painting" and is considered Canada's most significant award in this most challenging medium.
The competition has attracted a distinguished series of jurors and entries from not only Canada but from many other countries.
The award consists of a bronze medal created by Dora de Pedéry-Hunt which carries an image inspired by one of Casson's most iconic landscapes.
The naming of the award in honour of a beloved CSPWC member and the longest surviving founder of the Society was approved by Casson himself shortly before his death.
[4] During a transition period 1991 to 1997 the medal was accompanied by the Honour Award diploma but the latter was phased out in 1998.