OTTAWA
The Northern Medal is no more, as it will be replaced by the Polar Medal, which features a different mandate and appearance. The new medal comes with added prestige as it is now part of the Canadian Honours System.

Lethbridge police say their investigation into an improper use of force allegation against Yellowknife RCMP is almost complete. It was filed after this arrest at the Shell gas station in late March. It is one of two investigations by Lethbridge police into use of force by Yellowknife RCMP officers. - screen grab courtesy John Louison

The Polar Medal will "will celebrate Canada's Northern heritage and recognize persons who render extraordinary services in the polar regions and Canada's North," according to the Governor-General's website.

The Northern Medal - bestowed upon Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Zacharias Kunuk and Tagak Curley - was awarded to those who "contributed to the evolution and constant reaffirmation of the Canadian North as part of our national identity," the site states. "Canada is a northern nation, and the North is integral to our identity and our sovereignty," Governor-General David Johnston stated in a recent news release.

The image of the snowy owl soaring through the aurora borealis and a Canadian Arctic diamond that depicted the North Star will be replaced by an RCMP vessel sailing near a tall iceberg with two crew members standing on the ice.

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