Criteria for this medal were a broad range of contributions to the community and to the province through leadership, voluntarism, community involvement and outstanding personal achievements. Only individuals (not groups) could be nominated and
posthumous nominations were not accepted. A certain number of individuals received the medal by virtue of their office, such as provincial and federal elected members, judges, aboriginal leaders, and community and municipal leaders. Other recipients were selected based on the recommendation of governmental and non-governmental organizations and Members of the Legislative Assembly. ==Design==