Nickle Resolution

Nickle Resolution

The Nickle Resolution, passed in 1919 by the House of Commons, directed that the practice of bestowing titles of honour by foreign governments on Canadians be discontinued. The policy was reaffirmed in 1968 by the government of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson with the publication of "regulations respecting the acceptance and wearing by Canadians of Commonwealth and foreign orders, decorations and medals" and again in 1988 by the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, which adopted a policy entitled "Policy Respecting the Awarding of an Order, Decoration or Medal by a Commonwealth or Foreign Government."

The Resolution requested that the British government refrain from conferring "any title of honour or titular distinction" upon any person ordinarily resident in Canada, except for those of a professional or vocational character. The Resolution declared that the Canadian government would not approve an order or decoration that carries with it a title of honour or any implication of precedence or privilege. Approval would be considered on the grounds of extraordinary service to mankind, or for conspicuous bravery in saving or attempting to save life.

There was a brief revival of the defunct honours policy during the Conservative administration of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett, and several knighthoods and lesser distinctions were awarded in 1934-35, but shortly after the Liberals were returned to office in 1935 the prohibition was reinstated. A parliamentary committee appointed in 1943 recommended that the ban on nontitular honours be lifted, thus clearing the way for many members of the military and civilians to receive recognition for wartime services.

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien cited the Nickle Resolution in asking the British government not to grant to Conrad Black the title of Lord. Black later renounced his Canadian citizenship to accept the title.