Participants must set goals in multiple program areas: service, skills, physical recreation, an adventurous journey, and an additional project.

[4] Pilot projects were launched in various cities in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia.

By 1986, the award was operating in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia (1970[4]), Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

[5] The lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia has, each October since at least 2011,[6] issued a royal proclamation declaring Duke Awareness Week, begun with a flag-raising ceremony at Province House.

Meant to mark the launch of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program in schools across Canada and celebrate students in the province who "are making a difference in their community", during the week, young people, award participants, leaders, board members, parents, and volunteers take part in events highlighting partipants' work.