Created in 1972, it is presented to both living and deceased individuals deemed to have performed "acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances".

The obverse bears a maple leaf surrounded by a laurel wreath, and the name and rank of the recipient is engraved on the medal's edge.

[2] On 1 May 1972, Queen Elizabeth II, on the advice of her Cabinet under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, created the Medal of Bravery to recognize acts of great gallantry.

The name of any person, living or deceased, may be submitted to the Canadian Decorations Advisory Council[4]— a part of the Chancellery of Honours at Government House— as a possible recipient of the Medal of Bravery.

[6] [7] The Royal Canadian Mint in 2006 released a general circulation commemorative quarter showing on the reverse a variation of the design of the Medal of Bravery.