The Canadian monarch—at present King Charles III—is seen as the fount of honour[5] and is thus at the apex of the Order of Military Merit as its sovereign,[n 2] followed by the governor general of Canada who serves as the fellowship's chancellor, and the chief of the Defence Staff who is the principal commander.

[8] Any person thus honoured must return their lower grade insignia, as no member may at any time hold more than one appointment in the organization.

[14] The Sovereign's insignia is a jewelled, 18-carat gold crown of rubies, emeralds, and sapphires,[15] from which is suspended a blue enamelled cross pattée with four equal arms and three diamonds between each.

The Chancellor wears the badge of a Commander, though is also, upon installation as governor general, granted a livery collar for wear at Order of Military Merit investiture ceremonies;[16] this is composed of a series of gold medallions, and supports an enamel rendition of the shield of the Royal Arms of Canada, from which the governor general's badge is suspended.

The reverse bears only a serial number,[2] and all are topped by a St. Edward's Crown,[17] symbolizing that the order is headed by the sovereign.

[9] A total of 5,285 appointments and promotions to the order have been made in the fifty years from its inception in 1972 to 2022; 300 Commanders, 1,377 Officers and 3,608 members.