Order of Ontario

Order of Ontario. It is the highest honour awarded by the Government of Ontario, recognizing individual excellence and achievement for the benefit of society in Ontario or elsewhere. Established in 1986 under the advisement of then-Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, the first appointments were made in 1987. Appointees, who are entitled to use the post-nominal letters O.Ont., are selected by an independent advisory council and formally invested by the Lieutenant Governor.

History

The establishment of the honour was championed by Lincoln Alexander, the first Black Canadian to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who sought to create a lasting provincial institution to celebrate excellence. The order was formally created in 1986 under the *Order of Ontario Act*, receiving Royal Assent and the approval of Queen Elizabeth II. The first investiture ceremony was held in 1987 at the Legislative Building at Queen's Park. Over the decades, it has grown to recognize over 800 individuals from diverse fields including science, the arts, law, public service, and philanthropy.

Eligibility and appointment

Any living person who is a current or former long-term resident of Ontario is eligible for consideration, with the exception of elected federal or provincial politicians while holding office. Nominations from the public are reviewed by the Advisory Council for the Order of Ontario, an independent body appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. The council, which includes the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, evaluates candidates based on demonstrated excellence and achievement of the highest degree. The final list of appointees is recommended to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.

Insignia and design

The insignia is a stylized white trillium, the provincial floral emblem, rendered in gold and enamel with diamonds set between the petals. The central disc bears the Ontario shield of arms surrounded by a red annulus inscribed with the motto "UT INCEPIT FIDELIS SIC PERMANET" and crowned by the St. Edward's Crown. The ribbon is red, white, and green, reflecting the colours of the Ontario flag. The insignia is worn as a medal suspended from the ribbon at the neck. Recipients also receive a lapel pin and an official certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor.

Notable recipients

Prominent appointees span numerous disciplines and include pioneering scientist Donna Strickland, a Nobel laureate in physics; celebrated author Margaret Atwood; humanitarian and founder of War Child Canada, Dr. Samantha Nutt; and astronaut Roberta Bondar. The order has also honoured influential figures such as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, business leader Galen Weston, Indigenous leader Chief Wilfred Buck, and cultural icons like musician Gordon Lightfoot and filmmaker David Cronenberg. Appointments have posthumously recognized individuals such as artist Ken Danby and civil rights advocate Bromley Armstrong.

Administration and governance

The order is administered by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in Toronto, which oversees the nomination process, investiture ceremonies, and the maintenance of the official register. The advisory council operates under a mandate defined by the *Order of Ontario Act* and regulations. The Secretariat of the Order of Ontario, a branch of the Lieutenant Governor's office, provides logistical and administrative support. Funding and resources are provided through the budget of the Executive Council of Ontario. The honour is distinct from the national Order of Canada and other provincial orders like the Order of British Columbia.

Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Ontario Category:1986 establishments in Ontario