Imbued with nobility and prestige, the Ordre de Montréal pays tribute to 17 personalities each year, following a public call for nominations. Recipients are distinguished by one or more of the following merits, regardless of their sector of activity:

• Their decisive contribution to the development of Montreal;
• Their significant contribution to the national or international influence of the metropolis;
• Their exemplary commitment to the community;
• The exceptional quality of their professional achievements

As is customary, the Ordre de Montréal has different ranks. Recipients are awarded a medal and a title, among three possible ranks. They may follow their name and signature with the initials specific to their degree of membership in the Order. These three grades are, in descending order:

Commander C.O.M.

Officer O.O.M.

Knight Ch.O.M