The Order of Ontario is the province's highest official honour. It recognizes any current or former long-time resident of Ontario who has demonstrated a high level of individual excellence and achievement in any field benefiting the people of Ontario or anywhere in the world.
Nomination deadline: March 16
Video: Sister Helen Petrimoulx
Order of Ontario appointee, Sr. Helen Petrimoulx, guides refugee claimants to Canada through one of the most traumatic transitions of their lives. Petrimoulx opened a transitional home for refugee women and children in Windsor, and is a vocal advocate against human trafficking in Canada.
Video: Dr. Shaf Keshavjee
Order of Ontario appointee, Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, a thoracic surgeon and world leader in lung transplantation. Based in Toronto, Dr. Keshavjee’s advances in organ preservation and repair have significantly increased the number of donor lungs used to save lives with lung transplantation.
Nominees must be residents or former long-term residents of Ontario and they must be living at the time of nomination. They do not need to be a Canadian citizen.
No elected federal, provincial or municipal official may be appointed to The Order of Ontario while in office.
The Order is not awarded for acts of bravery and self-nomination is not accepted.
You can nominate online or download the form:
In addition to submitting the nomination form and a description of the nominee's achievements, you are also required to submit signed testimonial letters from at least two people supporting the nomination. Full details are explained on the nomination form.
The deadline is March 16 of each year. If March 16 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 p.m. the following business day.
Nominations may be submitted at any time. Nominations received after the deadline date will be considered the following year.
All nominations are considered by an Advisory Council that recommends the most outstanding nominees to the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council (Lieutenant Governor of Ontario).
Once a year, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario honours those chosen for appointment to The Order at an investiture ceremony.
Appointees are presented with The Order of Ontario insignia and receive a certificate and a lapel pin.
Email: ontariohonoursandawards@ontario.ca
Phone: 416-314-7526
Toll-free: 1-877-832-8622
TTY: 416-327-2391
Mail: Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2R9
