It was inaugurated in September 1973 by then Governor General of Canada Roland Michener, in his capacity as Chief Scout.

Speaking to the prestige of the award, at least one known Chief Scout has gone on to win a Nobel Prize,[citation needed] 4 have become Members of Parliament (currently one sitting MP Frank Baylis) and at least 1 has been a Premier.

[citation needed] Others have become titans of industry, technology, academia, finance and media.

[citation needed] In order to earn the award a Scout must earn the Voyageur and Pathfinder Activity Awards which require the Scout to develop citizenship, leadership, personal development and outdoor skills, as well as earn ten Challenge badges, at least one in each of the seven categories (athletics, outdoors, home and family, personal development, science and technology, culture and society, and environment); they must in addition hold current qualifications in Standard First Aid, hold the World Scout Environment Badge, investigate and present findings on Scouts Canada's involvement in World Scouting, design a challenging programme which will require the Scout to excel in each of the four activity areas (Citizenship, Leadership, Personal Development, and Outdoor Skills), including at least 30 hours of additional leadership to others (above those required in the Citizenship Activity area of the Voyageur and Pathfinder awards).

They have met with a local service agency and together have discussed and made plans for future improvements in the community.