Canada broadens Sacrifice Medal criteria

OTTAWA, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The Canadian military has expanded the criteria for awarding its new military Sacrifice Medal for soldiers injured or killed overseas in non-combat incidents.

No one has been awarded the medal approved by Queen Elizabeth 14 months ago because of the debate about who should be eligible, the Globe and Mail reported Tuesday.

It was originally intended solely for injuries and deaths in combat missions, but Defense Minister Peter MacKay announced it would also include deaths from accidents, illnesses and peacekeeping missions. It now also includes death as a result of mental disorders "directly attributable to military service."

However, one criterion that was left unchanged was that eligibility dated back on to 2001, the report said.

Retired Gen. Lewis Mackenzie predicted criteria would continue to expand, as it has for the U.S. Purple Heart in recent decades.

Reports said the first medals would be awarded before the end of the year.