Recognizing History and Acts of Canadian Bravery Since 1894

The Royal Humane Society, our parent organization, was instituted and incorporated by Royal Charter in London, England in 1774. With the growth of the British Commonwealth, the Society spread to member nations of sufficient size, who in turn formed their own national associations.

Canada was no exception, as on August 20, 1894, the Governor General of Canada—the Earl of Aberdeen—was granted permission by Queen Victoria to use the prefix “Royal” in the name of the Royal Canadian Humane Association. The aim of the R.C.H.A. was, and continues to be:

“To recognize such deeds of heroism, by Canadians in civilian life, who, through their alertness, skill, and concern, save or attempt to save a life, especially where those actions lie outside the ordinary duties of the person involved.”

The Association operated with the Governor General as the Honourary President. The Lieutenants Governor were Patrons of the Association, which was headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario until February 2001 and was on the verge of ceasing operation. Through the efforts of a number of previously appointed Provincial Representatives and with the help of the Royal Humane Society in London, England, the R.C.H.A. was relocated to Edmonton, Alberta in 2002. On April 23, 2003, Her Majesty the Queen granted permission to continue the use of the title ‘Royal” in the name. As well, the Governor General was reappointed and became the Honourary President. By extension, the Lieutenants Governor were requested to reassume their roles as Provincial Patrons. The Association is now incorporated and enjoys the status of a charitable organization.

In its role as a national award board, the R.C.H.A. maintains a close affiliation with other similar award-granting Commonwealth and International organizations. In this capacity, the R.C.H.A. can ensure that Canadians may be duly recognized, not only at a national but also at a worldwide level, for their bravery or heroic actions.

R.C.H.A. Who's Who
Patron: His Majesty King Charles III
Honourary President: Governor General
Provincial Patrons: Lieutenant Governors
Honourary Life Governor: Rudolf Berghuys
President: Robert Campbell

Recognizing History and Acts of Canadian Bravery Since 1894

The Royal Humane Society, our parent organization, was instituted and incorporated by Royal Charter in London, England in 1774. With the growth of the British Commonwealth, the Society spread to member nations of sufficient size, who in turn formed their own national associations.

Canada was no exception, as on August 20, 1894, the Governor General of Canada—the Earl of Aberdeen—was granted permission by Queen Victoria to use the prefix “Royal” in the name of the Royal Canadian Humane Association. The aim of the R.C.H.A. was, and continues to be:

“To recognize such deeds of heroism, by Canadians in civilian life, who, through their alertness, skill, and concern, save or attempt to save a life, especially where those actions lie outside the ordinary duties of the person involved.”

The Association operated with the Governor General as the Honourary President. The Lieutenants Governor were Patrons of the Association, which was headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario until February 2001 and was on the verge of ceasing operation. Through the efforts of a number of previously appointed Provincial Representatives and with the help of the Royal Humane Society in London, England, the R.C.H.A. was relocated to Edmonton, Alberta in 2002. On April 23, 2003, Her Majesty the Queen granted permission to continue the use of the title ‘Royal” in the name. As well, the Governor General was reappointed and became the Honourary President. By extension, the Lieutenants Governor were requested to reassume their roles as Provincial Patrons. The Association is now incorporated and enjoys the status of a charitable organization.

In its role as a national award board, the R.C.H.A. maintains a close affiliation with other similar award-granting Commonwealth and International organizations. In this capacity, the R.C.H.A. can ensure that Canadians may be duly recognized, not only at a national but also at a worldwide level, for their bravery or heroic actions.

R.C.H.A. Who's Who
Patron: His Majesty King Charles III
Honourary President: Governor General
Provincial Patrons: Lieutenant Governors
Honourary Life Governor: Rudolf Berghuys
President: Robert Campbell