History

The Order of Ontario was instituted in 1986 by Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander on the recommendation of Premier David Peterson’s Cabinet. The Order is the province’s highest honour and is awarded to Ontario residents who have demonstrated individual excellence and achievement in their respective fields and positively contributed to the province and its residents.

Recipients are eligible if they have lived or currently live in the Province of Ontario and have majorly impacted, influenced, or positively contributed at the provincial, national, or international level. Recipients are presented with the Order by the acting Lieutenant Governor on behalf of the Queen. The Order cannot be presented posthumously, nor to individuals currently in elected office. Approximately 25 persons are named each year, with around 700 individuals being inducted into the Order since its first appointments in 1987. Those appointed to the Order are given both an insignia and post-nominal letters “OOnt” to indicate their membership and honourable achievements.

The obverse of the insignia features Ontario’s provincial flower, the trillium, in white and green enamels, edged by gold. The shield of Ontario’s Coat of Arms is superimposed on the trillium and is surmounted by a gilded crown. The reverse is engraved with the recipient’s name and year of investiture.