Honorifics in Canada are accorded to various office holders in governmentâÂÂin the federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdictionsâÂÂas well as judges, members of the armed forces, and religious figures. Two stylesâÂÂthe Right Honourable and HonourableâÂÂare considered formal, while others, such as Your Excellency, are regarded as honorific and complimentary to the formal styles. Honours stem from the Canadian Crown.
Prior to 1963, the right to be styled the Right Honourable was not automatic, but associated with the membership of the Imperial Privy Council of the United Kingdom. Three prime ministers (Alexander Mackenzie, John Abbott and Mackenzie Bowell) and three chief justices (William Buell Richards, William Johnstone Ritchie and Patrick Kerwin) were never members and thus were not entitled to be styled as such. Prime Minister Charles Tupper was appointed after he was no longer Prime Minister. Governor General Lord Byng was not a member, but was entitled to be styled as such by nature of being a viscount.
The following Canadians were entitled to be styled the Right Honourable upon being sworn of the Imperial Privy Council:
Reign of Queen Victoria (1837âÂÂ1901)
Reign of King Edward VII (1901âÂÂ1910)
Reign of King George V (1910âÂÂ1936)
Reign of King George VI (1936âÂÂ1952)
Reign of Queen Elizabeth II (1952 to until end of practice in 1963)
The following Canadians were specifically granted the right to be styled the Right Honourable since 1963 without having served as Governor General, Prime Minister of Chief Justice:
Officers and non-commission members within the Canadian Armed Forces use ranks in accordance with the ranks and insignia of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, or the Royal Canadian Air Force, depending on which element they are a part of. Although all of the rank structures of the separate services were abolished with the unification of all three into one Canadian Forces in 1964, distinctive uniforms, insignia, and rank names have been gradually restored since then. Former members who were honourably released after serving a minimum of 10 years may continue to use the rank title held at the time of release with the word "(Retired)" or abbreviation "(Ret'd)". Similarly, members of the Supplementary Reserve sub-component of the Reserve Force may use their rank in the same manner as former members, unless on duty or engaged in military activities.
Religions are free to use their own titles and honorifics, provided they do not contradict those used elsewhere in Canada. This is seen in the use of the style His Excellency by Roman Catholic archbishops and bishops, which is not recognized by Canadian civil authorities.