Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Order of British Columbia, the government announced on Tuesday, calling the annual award B.C.'s "highest recognition of excellence and lifetime achievement".

"The Order of British Columbia is the province's most prestigious accolade and gives us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding works of individuals in our communities who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make all our lives better," said Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, .

"Please take the time, as grateful citizens, to identify and nominate those special people worthy of being honoured in this significant way."

The deadline to submit a nomination is March 7, 2014 and can be sent in through mail or email (orderofbc@gov.bc.ca). Forms can be download through the link above and can be accessed through .

Nominations and submissions are open to the public, Victoria's news release said:

"Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as candidate for appointment to the Order of British Columbia."

Past winners include longtime Vancouver Canucks player and captain Trevor Linden (2003), Chief Clarence Louie (2006), and Jeneece Edroff (2010). 345 British Columbians have been awarded the Order of B.C. since its inception in 1989.

Under the award's 'Eligibility' requirements:

"Any resident of B.C., or former long-term resident, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence or distinction in any field of endeavour benefiting the people of the Province or elsewhere is eligible to be nominated. Fields of endeavour may include community leadership, business, labour, industry, volunteer service, professions and other occupations, arts, sports and others. Federal, provincial and municipal elected representatives are not eligible for appointment to the order while they remain in office. A person may not be appointed to the order posthumously unless the Advisory Council recommends the appointment to the Lieutenant Governor in Council before the person's death."