Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the government is still deciding whether or not the Victoria Cross medal should be awarded to the Unknown Soldier.

"[We] haven't made a final decision," Harper said Tuesday. "We've actually had some mixed response from veterans organizations. Not all opposed but some opposed, some in favour and the government hasn't taken a final decision on that."

Federal government sources, speaking anonymously to various media outlets, said the government plans to revive the Victoria Cross and the first recipient will be the Unknown Soldier.

Some veterans are opposed to the idea of awarding it to the Unknown Soldier because he represents every soldier, and should not be recognized as special.

The Victoria Cross is supposed to honour the absolute highest acts of military bravery, veterans say, but there are no records about the Unknown Soldier and the type of service he provided in the First World War.

The anonymous soldier's remains were buried in a stately tomb in Ottawa in 2000 to represent all Canadians who give their lives in battle.

The medal, created in 1856 by Queen Victoria, has been awarded to 1,350 soldiers, including 94 Canadians. The last time it went to a Canadian was in 1945.

The Globe and Mail reported Saturday that the medal, with a special Canadian design, will be presented to Harper by Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony in France in April. Harper will bring the medal back to Canada.