"Order of Ontario Ceremony " a Province of Ontario Travel Page by CdnJane

The Order of Ontario is the province's most prestigious official honour.

The award was created in 1986 by the Government of Ontario to recognize the highest level of individual excellence and achievement in any field. The men and women invested in The Order are representative of the best of Ontario's caring and diverse society and stand as shining examples for us all. Their lives have benefited society in Ontario and elsewhere.

Insignia
The insignia of The Order is a stylized trillium, in white and green enamel, edged in gold. In the centre of the trillium is the shield of arms of the Province, surmounted by the Crown. The ribbons of The Order are red (the colour of the Ontario Ensign), white, green and gold.

Eligibility
Nominees must be residents or former long term residents of Ontario. No elected federal, provincial or municipal representative may be appointed to The Order while in office.

No person shall be appointed to The Order posthumously unless their death occurs after their name has already been selected by the Advisory Council. The Order is not awarded for acts of bravery, and self-nominations will not be accepted.

Presentation
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario invests the recipients at a provincial ceremony held in the Provincial Legislature. Appointees to the Order are notified by phone in advance of the investiture.

Selection
All nominations are considered by an Advisory Council made up of the Chief Justice of Ontario, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the Secretary of the Cabinet and other distinguished members of the Order of Ontario. The Chief Justice serves as Chair of the Council. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario is the Chancellor of The Order of Ontario.

Sometimes you only see your parents as your parents, you don't see beyond that connection, to really see them as others see them, or appreciate what they have done or are doing beyond the world of your family. That is a lot of what has happened with me. I haven't been as aware of what my father has done for his community and his business involvements.

March 31st, 2004 I got to hear what others said about him as he received the Order of Ontario.

This is what was said:

"Honorary Colonel Arch Brown is affectionately referred to as "Mr. Barrie" because of his extensive involvement in the community of the same name.

A successful businessman and Barrie resident for many years, Colonel Brown established benchmarks that were initiated nationally and internationally in his industry. They included the implementation of profit sharing. His success in business also contributed to the generous support he has shown his community over the years.

He has been a steadfast college supporter, tourist promoter and patron of the arts, serving on Georgian College boards and committees for more than three decades.

He is an Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Forces Base Borden and was awarded the Order of Canada in May 1995."

Ryan Hreljac, an elementary school student, age 12, has been committed to raising funds for clean water and sanitation projects around the world since the age of six.

That’s when he first learned about the problems of potable water in developing nations. His response was to collect money by doing household chores and organising fund-raising activities. His efforts resulted in the digging of a well in Uganda, aptly named Ryan’s Well.

Ryan’s example has inspired people of all ages from around the globe to rally to the cause and donate money to Ryan’s Well Foundation, a not-for-profit organization named after him. This body has been responsible for the construction of approximately 80 wells in seven African countries, having raised over $800,000 and bringing clean water to more than 100,000 people.

He has spoken at numerous international events and received awards for his humanitarian work including The Canadian Peace Award 2000 and the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General in 2002.

Ryan has demonstrated how the concern and efforts of one individual can motivate others to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people half-a-world away.