Gold, Silver and Bronze are different levels of Equine Canada recognized shows, in descending level of entry fee cost. I understand that Gold accrues national points, Silver accrues provincial points, and Bronze does not accrue points toward a year end award . All are recognized and the results (eventually) go up on Equine Canada’s online database, where you can also find all the recognized shows being offered across the country.
You are free to compete in any of these shows at any time you wish. Some regions or venues only do Gold, some do Gold and Bronze back to back to give a cheaper option, some only do Bronze. In BC no one does Silver shows in any discipline , but I think they are common in Ontario.
Anything that doesn’t explicitly say it’s a recognized EC Gold, Silver or Bronze show is considered a “schooling show.” But these can differ a lot from very professional show series with their own year end high point awards and accredited judges, to backyard barn playdays. Ask your coach or dressage friends for guidance through your local environment.
Canada also has Gold, Silver and Bronze medals similar to USEF and earned the same way through accruing a number of scores at different levels. I feel that in Canada fewer people pursue them and they are mainly an amateur thing. You do need to get your scores for the medals at EC recognized shows. I would think you could do them at Bronze shows since those are legitimate EC shows with recognized judges and recorded verified results. The names of the medals unfortunately overlap with the tiers of recognized show but are unconnected. A Bronze show can have the same range of classes as a Gold show. You can show Training at a Gold show or GP at a Bronze show.
Professional coaches in Canada can test for Equine Canada coach certification, which has a written test, a riding test, and a teaching demonstration. Coaches in Canada are more likely to focus on this than on medals especially as EC certification makes your insurance much cheaper!