The ministry organizes a series of annual awards programs to recognize outstanding professional and volunteer contributions to Ontario. These awards promote responsible citizenship by publicly saluting those who have made exceptional contributions to the common good. Special commemorative functions are also organized to celebrate the participation of all Ontarians in the life of the province. The Order of Ontario is the province's highest award for excellence in any field of endeavour, while the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is presented annually to 12 recipients for oustanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
Special medals recognize bravery by police officers and firefighters.
Outstanding civil servants are eligible for the Amethyst Award. The Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism and the Volunteer Service Awards champion voluntarism. The Lincoln M. Alexander Awards are presented annually to two young people who show leadership in promoting racial harmony. The annual Canada Day celebrations at Queen's Park highlight our country's birthday, a sense of unity and our multicultural heritage. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate.