HONOURS AND AWARDS
Order of Ontario
What is the Order of Ontario?
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest official honour. It recognizes Ontarians who have made an outstanding contribution to society in Ontario and around the world.
Who are the award recipients?
The Order of Ontario is awarded to Ontarians for excellence and achievement in any field. Past recipients have contributed to education, the arts, community and public service, science and medicine, citizenship and multiculturalism, business, sports, and many other fields. Those who are invested into the Order of Ontario are considered an example of excellence to all Ontarians.
What does it mean to be invested?
Investiture is a ceremony in which someone becomes a member of a group. In this case, appointees’ or those named as members of the order become invested into the Order of Ontario, and are members for the rest of their lives.
Who can receive this honour?
Anyone who lives in Ontario, or lived in Ontario for a long period of time, is eligible to be nominated. Nominees do not need to be Canadian citizens. Nominees can include:
- Couples or family members who have worked together
- People of any age, including youth
- People in public life – such as elected federal, provincial or municipal leaders – after they have left public office
How many people receive the Order of Ontario?
About 25 people are invested into the Order of Ontario each year.
How are recipients selected?
Individuals are nominated for the Order by members of the public. Then, an Advisory Council recommends the most outstanding nominees to the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council. The Advisory Council has three permanent members and up to six members who each serve a term that can last from two to six years. The Lieutenant Governor is the Chancellor of the Order of Ontario and also a member of the Order of Ontario.
Did you know…
Members of the Order of Ontario can use the initials ‘O. Ont.’ after their name.
How is the medal presented?
Once a year, the Lieutenant Governor honours those chosen for appointment to the order at an investiture ceremony. The recipients are presented with The Order of Ontario insignia. They also a lapel pin that identifies them as recipients, and a certificate.
What is the Order of Ontario Insignia?
The Order of Ontario medal is in the shape of the Ontario trillium, our floral emblem. It includes Ontario’s Shield of Arms, and the Crown. The colours of the ribbon are red (the colour of the Ontario Ensign), white and green (the colours of the trillium), and gold. The member’s name and year of investiture is engraved on the back of the medal.
Can I nominate someone?
Yes. Anyone can make a nomination. Nominees must be living at the time of nomination. If your nominee’s achievement is in community service, you may also wish to consider a nomination for the Volunteer Service Awards, Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship or the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.
Are there other Orders in Canada?
Yes. They include:
- National Order of Canada
- Order of Quebec
- Saskatchewan Order of Merit
- Order of British Columbia
- Alberta Order of Excellence
- Order of Prince Edward Island
- Order of Manitoba
- Order of New Brunswick
- Order of Nova Scotia
- Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
When is the deadline?
Nominations are accepted for a period of time once every year usually before February 28. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year.
How do I nominate someone?
Follow these steps:
- Download the Order of Ontario Nomination Form from this website in
PDF or HTML. - Fill out the information about your nominee
- Write a description of what your candidate has done to deserve the award
- Include news articles, letters of support, statements and other materials you think will help the Council make a recommendation
- Ensure all supporting materials are with your submission
- Submit your nomination to the address on the for
Where can I get more information?
Do you have questions about Ontario’s award and recognition programs? Contact us at the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat.
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