King Charles III Coronation Medal Program

From October 2024 through summer 2025, I had the great privilege of meeting with, learning about, and honouring Ontarians who represent the very best of our province.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to celebrate His Majesty’s coronation and to recognize people who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and to our country. In total, 30,000 Canadians received medals through a medal program administered nationally by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. My office was entrusted with 491, to be presented on behalf of the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

In collaboration with more than 40 community and non-profit organizations across the province, we helped recognize leadership, service, creativity, and courage.  Recipients included people from many sectors and of all ages whose contributions have strengthened our communities and upheld the enduring values of compassion, integrity, and public spirit.

My office hosted medal ceremonies in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park, and I presided over ceremonies hosted by partner organizations in different parts of the province. It was truly wonderful to have the chance to meet recipients, along with their families and friends, and to learn about some of the incredible things Ontarians have been doing to make our Canada more caring and resilient, and to help their communities become places we can be proud of, where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

I extended my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to each recipient. Their medals recognize their invaluable impact and, I trust, will inspire others to serve with the same commitment and distinction.

Thank you, as well, to all of our partners, whose dedication and championing of unsung heroes helped make the Coronation Medal program a national celebration with a local heart.

About the Medal

Crafted by the Royal Canadian Mint and designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the King Charles III Coronation Medal is the first honour to feature the newly approved Canadian Royal Crown. The obverse bears the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III in his coronation robes, encircled by the inscription “CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX – CANADA” (“Charles II, by the grace of God, King of Canada”).

The reverse features His Majesty’s Royal Monogram, surmounted by the Royal Crown, in the centre of a sunburst design surrounded by 13 triangles—pennants that symbolize Canada’s provinces and territories. The Latin phrase “VIVAT REX” translates as “Long live The King.”

For full details on King Charles III Coronation Medal’s design and history, visit the Governor General’s webpage about the medal.

Partnering Across the Province

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (OLGO) collaborated with non-profit and community organizations throughout the province, including vice-regal patronage organizations, to help identify and nominate eligible Ontarians for the King Charles III Coronation Medal Program.

Reaching across communities and sectors, each organization nominated recipients who exemplify excellence, integrity, and service, and helped to highlight a truly representative cross-section of remarkable Ontarians.

• Academic and civic institutions: Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, Massey College, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Royal Canadian Institute for Science, Royal Canadian Military Institute, Royal Ontario Museum, Trent University
• Civic, military, and public service organizations: Applaud – People in the Public Service, Commissionaires Great Lakes, Cabinet Office (Ontario Public Service), Friends of HCMS Haida, IODE Ontario, Queen’s York Rangers, The Royal Commonwealth Society of Toronto, The Royal Life Saving Society, St. George’s Society of Toronto, United Way Centraide (Niagara, Sudbury, Timmins), Volunteer centres (Cornwall, Guelph-Cambridge, Kingston, Kitchener Waterloo, Sarnia)
• Cultural and heritage groups: Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, Mon Sheong Foundation, Ontario Heritage Trust, Ontario Historical Society, Ontario Native Women’s Association, Ontario Society of Artists, OUTLoud North Bay, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Women’s Musical Club of Toronto
• Health and accessibility leaders: Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, DeafBlind Ontario Services, Haven Toronto, Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, True Patriot Love
• Youth and educational programs: Air Cadet League of Canada – Ontario Provincial Committee, Army Cadet League (Ontario), Canadian Parents for French, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada (Ontario Branch), Earth Rangers, STEM Fellowship, United for Literacy, Variety

Achievement and Inspiration

Whether through their leadership, public service, volunteering, or notable achievements in fields as diverse as health care, the arts, education,languages and cultures, and environmental conservation, recipients of the Coronation Medal reflect the depth and diversity of excellence in our province.

Among the recipients who were honoured at ceremonies hosted by partner organizations:

Volunteers and staff at DeafBlind Ontario Services were honoured for their advocacy and inclusive leadership in supporting individuals with dual sensory loss or developmental disabilities.

Staff, volunteers, and participants in the Earth Rangers program, a youth-led conservation endeavour, were recognized for empowering the next generation of environmental stewards through education and action.

At Massey College, medals were presented to members of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, whose research and engagement are helping Canadians better understand the role of the Crown in a modern constitutional monarchy.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society presented medals to recipients spanning fields such as journalism, education, languages and cultures, and even space exploration.

Leaders and longtime supporters of the Mon Sheong Foundation were recognized for decades of service to the elderly and to the preservation of Chinese Canadian heritage.

In-Suite Ceremonies

Throughout the program, Mme Dumont presided over Coronation Medal ceremonies at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite to honour recipients selected by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario—including Indigenous leaders, first responders, leaders in the Francophone community, journalists, environmentalists, and civil servants, among others.

Ceremonies at Queen’s Park

At the end of the medal program, Her Honour had the privilege of presiding over two additional, special Coronation Medal ceremonies at Queen’s Park, on behalf of Rideau Hall. The first honoured Olympians and Paralympians, and the second, the Coronation Girls.

Olympians and Paralympians who represented Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris received medals for their achievements as athletes and ambassadors, and for inspiring Ontarians with their ability to follow and realize their dreams.

One the most joyful and touching ceremonies honoured the group affectionately known as the “Coronation Girls,”—women from across the country who, as teenagers in 1953, had been chosen to attend the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England. Over 70 years later, seven of the Ontarian Coronation Girls reunited to commemorate a new chapter in Canada’s constitutional monarchy. They were joined at the Suite by Douglas Arrowsmith, who directed an acclaimed feature documentary about their story.

The Coronation Girls were recognized not only their lifetime of community involvement but also for representing and upholding a rich continuity of civic tradition. Their enduring friendship, graceful presence, and spirited stories remind us of the deep bonds that connect generations of Canadians to the Crown—and to each other.

As one Coronation Girl reflected, “We were girls waving flags in 1953—and here we are, honoured women in 2025.” It was a moment that bridged history, memory, and celebration.

Other Ceremonies

In addition to the ceremonies presided over by Mme Dumont, others were hosted across Ontario by partner organizations who played a congratulatory video message from the Lieutenant Governor and presented medals on her behalf. 

FACTS AND FIGURES

 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Coronation Medal, a person needed to:

• have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brought credit to Canada; and
• have been alive on May 6, 2023, the date of The King’s Coronation.

Celebrating Ontario’s Medal Recipients

For a full list of medal recipients in Ontario, please see the Governor General’s website.

The full list of medal recipients nominated by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario can be found below.

Medals by Sector

Below is a summary of the areas in which recipients have made outstanding contributions:

Sector / Contribution Area	Number of Recipients
Arts and Media	49
Business, Industry, and Economy	1
Community Service and Philanthropy	188
Education	37
Health Care and Medicine	6
Politics, Public Service, and Justice	192
Science, Technology, and Innovation	6
Social Sciences and Humanities	10
Sports	2

Our Partners

Vice-Regal Patronage Groups:

• Applaud – People in the Public Service
• Air Cadet League of Canada – Ontario Provincial Committee
• Army Cadet League (Ontario)
• Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons
• Canadian Parents for French
• Commissionaires Great Lakes
• DeafBlind Ontario Services
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada (Ontario Branch)
• Friends of HMCS Haida
• Haven Toronto
• Institute for Advancements in Mental Health
• IODE Ontario
• Massey College
• Mon Sheong Foundation
• Ontario Historical Society
• Ontario Society of Artists
• The Royal Canadian Institute for Science
• The Royal Canadian Military Institute
• The Royal Commonwealth Society of Toronto
• The Royal Life Saving Society
• Royal Ontario Museum
• The St. George’s Society of Toronto
• STEM Fellowship
• Variety, The Children’s Charity
• Women’s Musical Club of Toronto

Other Organizations:

• Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario
• Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre
• Cabinet Office (Ontario Public Service)
• Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada
• Ontario Heritage Trust
• Ontario Native Women’s Association
• OUTLoud North Bay
• Queen’s York Rangers
• Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
• Royal Canadian Geographic Society
• True Patriot Love
• Trent University
• United For Literacy
• United Way Niagara
• United Way Centraide North East Ontario – Sudbury Office (Sudbury)
• United Way Centraide North East Ontario – Sudbury Office (Timmins)
• Volunteer Action Centre – Waterloo Region (Guelph-Cambridge)
• Volunteer Action Centre – Waterloo Region (Kitchener Waterloo)
• Volunteer Centre of St. Lawrence-Rideau (Cornwall)
• Volunteer & Information Centre HPE (Kingston)
• Volunteer Sarnia

List of Recipients Nominated by the OLGO

Arts and Media

Mrs. Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont.

Ms. Kim Atkins

Mr. Salvatore M. Badali

Mr. Maxime Bégin

Ms. Lillian Michiko Blakey

Mr. Stephen W. Bowman

Mr. Stephen Boyle

Ms. Elise Bradley

Mr. Philip Y. Cheong

Mr. Martin Regg Cohn

Mr. Mark Cullen

Ms. Pat Dumas-Hudecki

Dr. Darryl Raymond Edwards

Ms. Suzette Hébert-Downey

Mr. David Hannivan

Ms. Janet Hendershot

Ms. Heather Hiscox

Ms. Gertrude Kearns, C.M.

Ms. Emily Kewageshig

Mr. George Kourounis

Ms. Anne Y. Lindsey

Ms. Cassandra Luftspring

Dr. James MacDougall

Ms. Diane Martello

Mr. Abel Maxwell

Ms. Kathleen McMorrow

Mrs. Esther McNeil

Ms. Jerri Merritt Jones

Ms. Michelle Mique

Mr. David Mirvish

Mrs. Liz Mitchell

Ms. Mary Siu Chi Ng

Mr. Alexander Nye

Mr. Charles Pachter, O.C., O.Ont.

Mr. Steve Paikin, O.C., O.Ont.

Mr. Michel Picard

Dr. Zimfira Poloz

Ms. Makhena Rankin Guérin

Ms. Janet Read

Miss Jean M. Read

Mrs. Nita L. Reed

Ms. Annette Sanger

Mr. Jonathan Shanks

Mrs. Katherine Smalley

Mr. Michael Strobel

Ms. Christine Tran

Mr. Michael Valpy

Mrs. Ruth Louise Watson Henderson

Mrs. Heather Wood

Business, Industry, and Economy

Mr. Dominic Primucci

Community Service and Philanthropy

Ms. Stephanie Mikki Adams

Ms. Sandra Adjou-Moumouni

Mr. Archie Allison

Ms. Mary Anderson

Ms. Céline Baillargeon-Tardif

Mr. Robert Baines, C.D.

Mr. Andrew Barber

Dr. Alexandre Baril

Mr. John Barrie

Mrs. Michelle Batty

Ms. Erin Beagle

Mr. Mark Beckles

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Richard Bialachowski, C.D.

Ms. Danielle Big Canoe Snake

Mr. James Bird

Dr. Rachel Birnbaum

Mr. John S. Bishop

Ms. Judy Black

Ms. Kate Blais

Ms. Vickery Bowles

Major (Retired) Mike Boyle

Mr. David Thomas Brooks

Ms. Linda Bruins

Ms. Angèle Brunelle, O.Ont.

Ms. Heidi Burgess

Mr. Michael Burns

Mrs. Debbie Button

Second Lieutenant (Retired) Randolph Byers, C.D.

Ms. Valerie Beth Carey

Mr. Glenn H. Carter

Mrs. Jan Casbourn

Ms. Barbara Ceccarelli

Ms. Debra Chandler

Dr. Kan Yan Chow

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Stewart Cober, C.D.

Mr. Seth Compton

Mrs. Pauline Con

Ms. Susan Cook

Mr. Phillip Corke

Trooper Christopher Michael Cooper

Ms. Ethel Côté, CM, O.Ont.

Ms. Trèva Cousineau

Ms. Sandra Crabtree

Ms. Mary Daoust

Mrs. Helen Danby

Mr. John Dennis

Lieutenant(N) (Retired) Peter Dixon

Dr. Michael Tuan Anh Duong

Mr. John Ecker

Mr. Mark Fell

Lieutenant Colin Fenby

Mr. Robert Douglas Ferguson

Ms. Shirley Fletcher Horn

Mr. Cole Forrest

Mr. Nick Forsyth

Mr. Kenneth Brian Foxcroft

Mr. Shaun Francis

Mrs. Diane Gabay

Ms. Norma General-Lickers

Dr. Margaret Gibson

Ms. Lorraine Gladstone

Mr. David Golding

Mr. Cameron Grant

Dr. Jill Grant

Major (Retired) Robert Greenhalgh, C.D.

Ms. Elodie Grunerud

Ms. Suzette Hafner

Ms. Rose Cathy Handy

Ms. Koubra Haggar

Mr. Gouled Hassan

Mr. Jason Henry

Mr. Timothy Andrew Herron

Mrs. Christina Denise Hewitt

Mr. William Hines

Mr. Timothy Hodgson

Dr. Angela Hovey

Mr. Daniel M. Hutt, C.D.

Ms. Michelle Nadine Hunslow

Mr. Gilles Huot

Ms. Maelyn Hurley

Ms. Julie Jardel

Mr. Maxim Jean-Louis

Ms. Jessica Kaknevicius

Sergeant (Retired) Denise Lynn Karsseboom, C.D.

Mr. Minhajul Kazi

Mr. Navaratna (Norton) Kothari

Mr. Albert (Al) Roland Kowalenko

Mr. Tom Kritsch

Mr. Alain Landry

Mr. David Laneville

Mr. James LaPlante

Mrs. Josephine KW Lee

Ms. Helene Gwennaelle Leho

Ms. Denise Lemire

Mr. M. David Lepofsky, C.M.

Mr. David Kwok-wai Li

Mr. Mark Little

Honorary Colonel Kenneth Lloyd, C.D.

Mr. Garth Low

Mr. Gregory Ludlow

Mr. Gerald MacGarvie

Ms. Campbell MacInnis

Mr. John A. Macintyre

Mr. Cameron MacKay

Ms. Mona Malone

Mr. Didier Marotte

Ms. Rosi Martin

Mr. Doug Mather

Ms. Margaret Mathers

Mr. Phillip Matthews

Mr. Jack Mayer

Mr. Rick McAlpine

Mr. Michael McCarthy

Ms. Michèle McCarthy

Ms. Kathy McDonald

Ms. Mary McGeer

Ms. Deborah McGinnis

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) William Ross Fraser McKee, C.D.

Mr. Stuart McReynolds

Mr. Faouzi Metouilli

Mr. Guy Matte, C.M.

Mr. Guy Mignault

Mr. Artun Miskciyan

Ms. Farah Mohamed

Mr. Lauro Monteiro

Mr. Marcel Morin

Ms. Diane Morrell

Ms. Aissa Nauthoon

Mr. Jeff Needham

Mr. Marc Neeb

Ms. Vivian Ng

Ms. Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi

Ms. Taylor Lindsay Noel

Ms. Victoria Ollers

Dr. Roseann O’Reilly Runte, C.M.

Miss Jocelyn Palm

Dr. Henry Parada

Ms. Susan Passmore

Mr. Jackson Pauls

Ms. Angela Pollak

Ms. Rachel Pulfer

Mr. Kanchan Randhawa

Mrs. Aileen Reid

Mr. Murray Reissner

Mr. Peter Reuten

Ms. Jennifer Robbins

Ms. Elaine Rowan

Mrs. Rosemary Jean Sadlier, O.Ont.

Dr. Colin Francis Saldanha

Mrs. Jeanie Samec

Mr. Spencer Sandor

Mrs. Gloria Saunders

Dr. Antonio Bruno Scorsone

Mr. Jim Scott

Mr. Rodney W.J. Seyffert

Ms. Sophie Sead

Ms. Sze Man Maria Shea, C.D.

Ms. Denise Siele

Mrs. Muriel Shular

Mr. Rahul Singh, O.Ont.

Mr. Joseph Silva

Mr. Patrick Simard

Ms. Lorraine Simpson

Mr. Darrell Smith

Ms. Frances Sommerville

Ms. Roxanna Spruyt

Mr. Adrian Thomas Stanley

Ms. Nalini Stewart

Mrs. Carol Taylor

Ms. Shawna Thibodeau

Mrs. Elizabeth (Betsy) Thompson

Dr. Sarah Todd

Mr. Michel Tremblay

Ms. Tana Troniak

Mr. Clement HW Tsang

Ms. Jasmine VanEvery

Ms. Tracey Veldhuis

Mr. John Walas

Mr. John Watson

Ms. Augusta Jane White

Mrs. Shelly Whitehead

Mr. Jim Williamson

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Kevin Richard Winiarski, C.D.

Mrs. Stephanie Kit Yee Wong

Ms. Dorothy Theresa Yemen

Mr. Charles (Xiaojun) Zhu

Ms. Susan Zikman Wise

Education

Mr. Paul Baril

Mrs. Barbara G. Carter

Ms. Catherine Rita Charlton

Mr. Chad Cowie

Ms. Mary Cruden

Mrs. Susan Jane Davies

Dr. Patrice Dutil

Mr. Robin Elliott

Mr. Robert Flosman

Dr. Derek Ford

Mr. John Fraser, C.M.

Mr. Ewan Geddes

Ms. Allison Hands

Dr. Carolyn Harris

Dr. Peter Harrison, O.C.

Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon

Dr. Stephen Douglas Hill

Mr. Russell Hutchinson

Dr. Frederic (Eric) Jackman

Mr. David Landaverde

Mr. Peter Lewis

Ms. Kathryn McCain

Ms. Rachel Nazareth

Dr. Naomi Nichols

Dr. Alexandre Sacha Noukhovitch, M.S.M.

Ms. Carolyne Prévost

Ms. Claire Rivlin

Miss Baraneh Shahrbandi

Mr. Michael Smith

Ms. Anne Smith Mansfield

Professor John Smol

Ms. Alexandra Sorin

Ms. Mary Tsilka

Dr. Eve Tuck

Ms. Stephanie Ward

Mr. Ben Woodward

Ms. Lena Xu

Health Care and Medicine

Dr. Andrew Boozary

Mr. Adalsteinn Brown

Ms. Krista Lamb

Ms. Sandy Smeenk

Mr. Iain Stewart

Dr. Jim Woodgett

Politics, Public Service, and Justice

Ms. Irith Alterescu

Ms. Monique Armstrong

Ms. Olubukola (Bucky) Badejo

Provincial Constable Kelsey Bardy

Ms. Marie-Jeanne Bartleman

Mr. Normand Beauchamp

Ms. Alia Beg

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict

Sergeant Ryan Bennett

Ms. Joyce Bernardo

Mr. Harold Fredrick Buller, C.D.

Ms. Rita Burak, O.Ont

Master Corporal John Camarda, C.D.

Superintendent (Retired) Franca Campisi

Chief Laurie Carr

Ms. Jacklyn Carr

Ms. Vanessa Chan

Mr. Anthony (Miptoon) Chegahno

Chief Bob Chiblow

Detective Superintendent (Retired) Dominic Chong, M.O.M.

Lieutenant-Colonel Michael J.K. Clarry, C.D., AdeC

Ms. Jessica Clipp

Mr. Richard Ashok Coutinho

Ms. Susan Cox

Provincial Constable Ryan Cox

Ms. Maria D’Addona

Mr. Kip Daechsel

Commissioner (Retired) Agnes Daniell, AdeC

Captain Jonathan Davey, AdeC

Captain (N) Matthew Davies, AdeC

Mr. Trevor Day

Firekeeper Geoff Daybutch

Ms. Anna Liza De Guzman

Lieutenant-Colonel John Dean, C.D., AdeC

Chief Myron Demkiw, M.O.M

Provincial Constable John Desouza

Mr. Daniel Dishaw

Lieutenant-Commander Mark Dittrich, C.D., AdeC

Dr. Michael Doherty

The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, O.C., O.Ont

Captain (Retired) John J. Drygala, M.M.M., C.D.

Mrs. Gail Drygala

Mr. Paul Dubé

Superintendent Veronica A. Eaton, AdeC

Provincial Constable William Conrad Edwards

Mr. Greg Essensa

Inspector (Retired) Joseph A. Evans, C.D., AdeC

Provincial Constable Brad Ferguson

Provincial Constable Aderito Ferrao

Mr. Giuseppe Ferraro, C.C.

Mr. Michael Flint

Dr. Clara Fraser

Elder Sally Gaikezheyongai

Major Andrew Gault, C.D., AdeC

Lieutenant-Colonel Carl Gauthier, M.M.M., C.D., AdeC

Lieutenant-Commander Shekhar Gothi, C.D., AdeC

Staff Superintendent Pauline Gray, M.O.M., AdeC

Inspector (Retired) Charles P. Green, M.O.M., C.D.

Ms. Jennifer Green

Provincial Constable Michael Grootenboer

Sub-Lieutenant, Navy (Retired) Philip Grosch, CPA

Ms. Ishbel Halliday, M.V.O.

Sergeant Garth Demell Handford, C.D.

Chief Glen Hare

Ms. Betty Heininger

Superintendent Jonathan Hesler, AdeC

Inspector Lisa Hewison

Ms. Beverly Ailene Hider

Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill

Master Warrant Officer George Isshack

Colonel The Honourable Henry N.R. “Hal” Jackman, O.C., O.Ont., C.D.

Colonel Margaret (Maggie) Jacula, C.D., AdeC

Chief Superintendent Alison P. Jevons

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Douglas S. Johnson, C.D.

Captain Raymond Joseph, C.D., AdeC

Ms. Kim Judd

Mr. Kaajuk Kablalik

Ms. Angelica Kalubiaka

Major Doug Keirstead, C.D., AdeC

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Evelyn A. Kelly, C.D., AdeC

Superintendent Robert (Bob) F. Kempf, M.O.M.

Elder Carolyn King, C.M.

Ms. Lani Kopczinski

Ms. Rula Kosmas

Ms. Patricia Kosseim

Mr. Andrew Kuruneru

Mr. Stacey Laforme

Doctor Jim Yuan Lai, AdeC

Ms. Debi LaMantia

Mrs. Sann Sann Lam-Minns

Ms. Jennifer Lang

Captain (Retired) Jean Le Bouthillier

Lieutenant-Commander Beth Lei, C.D., AdeC

Provincial Constable Steve Lennon

Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew  Lennox, C.D.

Mr. Christopher Dorn Lewis, C.O.M.

Ms. Veronica Low

Major David G. Lucas, C.D., AdeC

Captain (Retired) Donald Robert Louis Ludlow, C.D.

Ms. Bonnie Lysyk

Ms. Elizabeth MacCallum

Hon. Colonel Daniel S. C. Mackay, O.M.M., C.D.

Brigadier-General Josh Major, M.S.M., C.D.

Chief R. Donald Maracle

Lieutenant-Commander Jennifer Martin, AdeC

Ms. Arianne Maxine Matte

Deputy Chief Robin D. McElary-Downer, M.O.M.

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Ray C. McGill, C.D., AdeC

Mr. Tim McGough

Honorary Colonel Michael D. McKay, C.D.

Lieutenant-Colonel Donald McKenzie

The Honourable Roy McMurtry, O.C., O.Ont, K.C.

Ms. Theresa Micallef-Hill

Mrs. Linda Molyneux

Ms. Colleen Moran

Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Moseanu, C.D.

Superintendent Ishmail Musah, AdeC

Superintendent (Retired) Bruce Newton, AdeC

Provincial Constable Elizabeth Newton

Ms. Alexandra Ngan

Mr. Jeffrey Novak

Provincial Constable Carl Nowlin

Brigadier-General Cayle Oberwarth, O.M.M., M.S.M, C.D.

Detective Sergeant Dave O’Leary

Mrs. Ruth-Ann Onley

Ms. Blondie Pang

Chief Superintendent Michèle Paradis

Sergeant June Parris, C.D.

Ms. Judi Partridge

Mrs. Heather Pearson

Fire Marshall Jon Pegg

Fire Chief Matthew Pegg

Assistant Commissioner Matthew Peggs

Provincial Constable Don Pelan

Provincial Constable Norm Penney

Ms. Anastasia Perdikis

Chief Superintendent André Marc Phelps, C.D., AdeC

Captain Teresa Rose Pitawanakwat, AdeC

Deputy Chief  Lauren A. Pogue, M.O.M., AdeC

Mrs. Katie Aird Porter

Mr. Russell Powell

Ms. Denise (Dee) Psaila

Ms. Valerie Quioc Lim

Ms. Lucksini Raveendran

Ms. Kara Rawson

Mr. Eric Rennie

Ms. Sydney Risi

Fire Chief Deryn Nicole Rizzi, AdeC

Ms. Joanne Roach

Major Carolyn E. Rodd, C.D., AdeC

Sergeant Bruno Romano

Mr. Brian Rosborough

Ogimaa-Kwe Claire Sault

Elder Garry Sault

Ms. Margaret Sault

Mr. Christopher Saunders

Colonel (Retired) Paul E. Scagnetti, C.D.

Mr. James Scott-Vickers

Mr. Joseph Segal

Ms. Sandra Shaul

Mrs. Elspeth Sinclair

Superintendent (Retired) Michael J. Slack, AdeC

Ms. Shelley Spence

Lieutenant-Colonel James Stocker, M.S.M., C.D.

The Honourable George Strathy

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Ian Sutherland, C.D., AdeC

Deputy Commissioner Rohan K Thompson, M.O.M.

Mr. George Thomson, O.C.

Sergeant Graham Thorpe

Mr. Nathan Tidridge, M.S.M

Lieutenant(N) Cory Titsing, C.D., AdeC

Mr. Steve Toms

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Clifford Albert Trollope, C.D., C.B.C.P., C.R.M.

Ms. Sarah Truscott

Provincial Constable Greg Turpin

Major PJ VanAuken, C.D., AdeC

Superintendent Justin Vander Heyden, AdeC

Mr. Tony Viscardi

Mr. Berry Vrbanovic

Ms. Colleen Waddell

Ms. J. David Wake, K.C.

Mrs. Samieh Walden

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Roy Weir, C.D.

Mr. Peter Weltman

Ms. Roberta Wesley

The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, C.M, O.Ont., C.V.O.

Captain(N) Kelly Williamson, M.M.M., C.D., AdeC

Mrs. Gwyne M. Willmot, L.V.O.

The Honourable Warren Winkler, O.C., O.Ont., K.C.

Lieutenant-Commander Albert Wong, C.D.

Canon Paul Wright

Ms. Rita Zaro

Science, Technology, and Innovation

Dr. Emily Agard

Dr. Roberta Bondar

Dr. Matthew Campea

Dr. Daniel Gruner

Dr. Geoffrey Hinton

Professor Renée Hložek

Social Sciences and Humanities

Ms. Valerie Bellegarde

Mrs. Diane Clendenan

Ms. Jane Cooper-Wilson

Ms. Ajirioghene Evi

Mr. Robert Leverty

Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

Mr. Mario Rigby

Dr. Donald Smith

Mrs. Marjorie Stuart

Ms. Courtney Waterfall

Sports

Mr. Rob Snoek

Ms. Karen Stintz

Sudbury: Where History Meets the Future

Some days are made for celebrating history while catching a glimpse of a hopeful future. 

September 25, 2025—Franco-Ontarian Day—was one of those days. Across the province, Francophone pride filled the air, bringing generations together in a spirit of unity. 

In Sudbury, birthplace of the green and white Franco-Ontarian flag, we marked the 50th anniversary of the emblem that defines and unites the province’s Francophone community. Fifty years ago, in this Northern Ontario city, visionary professor Gaétan Gervais and students Michel Dupuis and Jacline England at Laurentian University created a symbol that has become the heart of Franco-Ontarian identity. Returning to Sudbury felt like a pilgrimage. 

Early that morning, a Tintamarre (a joyous tradition where people parade through the streets making noise with pots, pans, and horns—celebrating Francophone culture with exuberant sound) and a flag-raising ceremony set the tone for a memorable day. Students from Thunder Bay, artists from Toronto, organizations from Ottawa, and leaders from every corner of the province converged on Sudbury. This gathering perfectly captured the vitality and reach of Ontario’s Francophone community: vibrant, creative, and resolutely forward-looking. 

It was precisely in this spirit of openness and continuity that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor launched the provincial initiative “Celebrating 50 Years: Shaping the Future Together!” Developed with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario and supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the provincial government, and TFO, this artistic co-creation project invites communities to create a collective work connecting heritage with future aspirations. 

The launch at Place des Arts featured moving artistic performances. Choristers, musicians, and dancers from the Ontario Centre of Excellence for French-language Arts Education opened the evening with vibrant performances. Storyteller Stéphane Guertin, renowned throughout the Francophonie, captivated the audience. Visual artist Mique Michelle demonstrated how art can break down stereotypes and amplify community voices; multimedia artist Heather Topp presented her compelling work on Northern realities; and Ashley Guenette’s powerful exhibition, “Si un arbre tombe” (If a Tree Falls), rounded out the rich visual program. Finally, classical music took centre stage with a masterful performance by the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra Quartet. 

In attendance were Franco-Ontarian leaders, including Minister Caroline Mulroney, Senator Lucie Moncion, Mayor Paul Lefebvre, Mayors Michelle Boileau, and Kathleen Rochon, as well as federal and provincial parliamentarians and representatives of organizations from ACFO Sudbury to the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario and the Réseau du patrimoine franco-ontarien. Together, they showed a committed and ambitious community. 

September 25, 2025, will remain engraved in our memories as a celebration of Francophone vitality and diversity, and it will serve as inspiration for the next 50 years. 

Ontarians can be proud! 

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in Ontario

These engagements were part of a larger Canadian tour, as His Royal Highness had visited Prince Edward Island prior to arriving in Toronto.

Supporting Emerging Leaders

On June 28, His Royal Highness attended a reception hosted by Her Honour at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, followed by a dinner with emerging leaders and young volunteers. These gatherings provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of young Ontario leaders who are making a difference in their communities through leadership and service.

Honouring Indigenous Veterans

On June 29, His Royal Highness and Their Honours visited Christ Church, His Majesty’s Chapel Royal of the Mohawk, on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Christ Church is owned by The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, known as the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, and is one of three Chapels Royal in Ontario. Here, they joined a service honouring Mohawk veterans and engaged with community members at a reception following the service.

Canadian Armed Forces Engagements in Belleville and Trenton

Later that day, His Royal Highness and Their Honours visited the Belleville Armouries, home of the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment. There, they received an overview of cold weather operations, toured the Regimental Museum, viewed a weapons display, and joined soldiers and cadets for a luncheon.

At 2 Air Movements Squadron, 8 Wing, CFB Trenton, His Royal Highness and Their Honours met with personnel, who offered insight into the base’s operations and logistics.

Policing and Public Safety

His Royal Highness and Their Honours also visited the Toronto Police Service Emergency Task Force, where they toured the facility and learned about the unit’s specialized operations.

On June 30, His Royal Highness and Their Honours were welcomed by the Toronto Police Service Marine Unit and were given a tour of the unit’s vessels and equipment. The visit also included a dive technology demonstration at the wreck of the schooner barge the Sligo, conducted by Marine Unit staff with a remotely operated vehicle.

HMCS York and Campaign for Wool

Later that day, His Royal Highness and Their Honours toured HMCS York, a Naval Reserve Unit, where they explore the unit’s museum and archives and met with the unit’s sailors, who presented displays that showcased their work.

To end the evening, they attended the Campaign for Wool Young Designers’ Event, which featured Canadian talent in art, interior design, and fashion. Highlights included a wool-based visual art installation, hooked rugs from Newfoundland, and a preview of the fall 2025 Canadian Designer Capsule Collection.

Canada Day in Ottawa

On July 1, Their Honours joined His Royal Highness, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, minister of Canadian identity and culture, at Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa.

His Royal Highness and Their Honours also visited the RCMP Musical Ride Stables, where His Royal Highness inspected 16 horses and riders. Here, His Royal Highness was presented with the RCMP Long Service Medal and a pair of new RCMP Strathcona boots.

Duke of Edinburgh Award and Canadian Citizenship

Returning to Toronto July 2, Her Honour attended an event to show support for the work of the Duke of Edinburgh Award – Canada.

His Royal Highness concluded his visit alongside Their Honours at a Canadian citizenship ceremony presided over by Citizenship Judge Albert Wong; together, they welcomed new citizens to the country.

A note of appreciation

The Lieutenant Governor would like to thank and acknowledge the volunteers and honorary aides-de-camp who helped support this visit, as well as His Royal Highness’s staff and the team at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla First Official Visit to Canada

At the end of May, Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their first official visit to Canada since His Majesty’s accession to the throne in 2022, highlighting the deep and enduring ties between Canada and the Crown.

Their Majesties were welcomed in Ottawa by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada; Her Honour Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; several Indigenous leaders, and an arrival guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons.

Later, they met with members of community organizations before heading to Rideau Hall to participate in a ceremonial tree-planting alongside viceregal representatives and local community members. The tree-planting ceremony is an old tradition in Rideau Hall, dating back to 1906. More than 150 commemorative trees grace the grounds, marking visits by members of the Royal Family, heads of state, and other dignitaries.

The tree planted by His Majesty was a blue beech tree, known for its Indigenous roots and hardiness, which the Governor General described as “a living symbol of resilience, adaptability, and heritage.”

The highlight of the visit was His Majesty’s delivery of the government’s Throne Speech in the Senate Chamber, formally opening the 45th Parliament of Canada. Arriving through Wellington Street via Canada’s State Landau, His Majesty received military honours, including a Royal Salute, an inspection of the guard from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, and a 21-gun salute.

Drafted by the government to outline its legislative priorities, the Speech from the Throne is traditionally delivered by the Governor General. This year, the sovereign’s exceptional delivery of the speech—only the third time in Canadian history—coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The speech emphasized Canadian unity and democratic resilience, the enduring relationship with the Crown, and the shared values cherished by Canadians—such as environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and the celebration of a vibrant and diverse heritage.

“Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada – from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation.

“You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages, and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics, and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions.

“By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this Government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians.”

After delivering the speech from the Throne, Their Majesties concluded the official visit by paying their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, ending on a solemn note.

Black History Month 2025

Ever since 1993, February has been Black History Month in Ontario. It is a time to highlight and commemorate the rich legacy of Black people’s achievements and contributions.

On February 25, the Honourable Edith Dumont welcomed students from Ashton Meadows School in Markham to the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite for an event themed “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” These students learned about Lincoln Alexander, Ontario’s first Black lieutenant governor, and engaged with five speakers, all prominent members of the Black community in Ontario.

Sharing their experiences with the students were Zanana Akande (Canada’s first Black woman cabinet minister at the provincial level), the Honourable Jean Augustine (the first Black Canadian female Member of Parliament and cabinet minister), Arthur Downes (community organizer and former Justice of the Peace), Denham Jolly (Black radio pioneer and philanthropist), and Rosemary Sadlier (historian, activist, and champion of Black History Month) engaged in discussions and told the students about their journeys. Each student was given a copy of Sadlier’s The Kids Book of Black History in Canada. The event was co-hosted by the Children’s Breakfast Clubs, a non-profit organization that provides support for youth in southern Ontario.

 

On February 23 in Windsor, Mme Dumont attended the annual graduation gala of the Black Diplomats Academy. Organized by Developing Young Leaders of Tomorrow, Today, the program equips young Black professionals with training in international diplomacy. Mme Dumont congratulated the graduates, acknowledged the support of participating diplomats, and commended the program’s efforts to eliminate systemic barriers in this field.

“Lincoln Alexander called education ‘the path to limitless possibility.’ Thank you for choosing this path.

May it take you everywhere you wish to go!”

-The Honourable Edith Dumont, to the graduates of the Black Diplomats Academy

Her Honour visited the Amherstburg Freedom Museum on the east bank of the Detroit River. Founded in 1975, it tells the stories of African-Canadian journeys and contributions by hosting exhibitions and displaying historical artifacts and buildings.

The museum includes a log cabin that once housed the family of formerly enslaved Civil War veteran George Taylor, as well as the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, a stone chapel that was built in 1848 by Taylor’s fellow Black refugees. The chapel was a terminus of the Underground Railroad; it was also used as a school, to offer the education that its students had been denied. To this day, it continues to bring the community together for special events.

Mme Dumont was profoundly moved by the exhibition The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion, and by the stories she was told by museum staff, some of whom are themselves Underground Railroad descendants. She encourages all Ontarians to visit this museum, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is open from Tuesdays through Sundays and accepts pre-booked visits and tours: amherstburgfreedom.org

For more information on the Black Diplomats Academy, please see www.dylott.com/bda-program.

The Kids Book of Black Canadian History is published by Kids Can Press.

More information about the Children’s Breakfast Clubs is available on their website.

Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 New Year’s Levee

On January 1, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park opened to the public, welcoming Ontarians to meet with Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and take part in the time-honoured tradition of the New Year’s Levee.   

The custom of the levee originated in France, where royalty would hold private formal morning assemblies. The first levee in North America was hosted in 1646 by Charles Huault de Montmagny, Governor of New France, and subsequent French governors welcomed visitors to Château Saint-Louis in Quebec City to wish them a happy new year. By the late 18th century, during the days of the fur trade, New Year’s Day became a massive day of festivities, involving feasting, drinking, and paying courtesy calls on leaders of forts and trading posts. 

British governors, officials, and commissioned officers continued holding levees through the years. Today, in Canada, such occasions now offer unique opportunities to bring communities together with lieutenant governors, mayors, and other officials. The New Year’s Levee is a time to celebrate and to reflect on the enduring values of connection, kindness, and goodwill that Ontarians hold dear. 

On the first day of 2025, guests of all ages were led through the doors to the Music Room in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite. Gifts and donations of new men’s winter essentials such as hats, coats, and gloves were collected for Haven Toronto, a drop-in day centre that has been supporting unhoused men aged 50 and over since 1933.  

Local entertainers including magician Phil “WonderPhil” Pivnick, pianist Artun Miskciyan, and steel pannist Suzette Vidale performed to delighted guests as they explored the state rooms and learned from volunteers about the Lieutenant Governor’s role as representative to the Crown in Ontario.  

Her Honour, accompanied by her spouse, His Honour Mr. Tony Viscardi, greeted guests in the Music Room, sharing in happy conversation, giving best wishes for the coming year, and posing for photos. Afterwards, visitors were welcome to stay on the main floor for light refreshments. 

With this spirit of community togetherness setting the tone for the year ahead, the Levee once again proved to be a cherished occasion. 

Official Visits 2024

As part of her mandate, the Lieutenant Governor conducts official visits to municipalities across Ontario. These visits involve courtesy calls (i.e., formal meetings) with mayors and local representatives, as well as tours of places and organizations that play important roles in their communities, or where innovative initiatives are taking place.  

During 2024, Mme Dumont conducted six official visits—to North Bay, Orillia, Peterborough, Saugeen Shores, Thunder Bay, and Toronto. 

Meetings with Officials 

Integral to every official visit is a meeting with the mayor. In all six municipalities, Her Honour took the opportunity to learn about the current issues and challenges facing each city or town and their regions, as well as about current projects and stories of success. 

Often, other leaders from various sectors joined these meetings—in Toronto, city councillors; in Saugeen Shores, chiefs of emergency services; in Peterborough, Warden Bonnie Clark, who is chief of Peterborough County council; and in Orillia, Chief Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. 

Indigenous 

As the representative of the Crown in Ontario, Mme Dumont has a responsibility to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. When she travels across the province, she prioritizes meeting with local Indigenous residents and leaders.  

On her trip to North Bay, she visited nearby Nipissing First Nation, on the north shore of Lake Nipissing. There, she met with Gimaa Scott McLeod and members of his council, toured a community hall and daycare centre, and stopped by Nbisiing Secondary School, where she observed a class being taught in the nation’s language, Anishinaabemowin. In Orillia, Mme Dumont met with representatives of the Orillia Native Women’s Group, a non-profit organization serving Indigenous women and their families; she learned about their plans for a new facility and expanded programming. In Peterborough, she met with representatives of Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations at Lang Pioneer Village Museum, which offers education about the historical impact of settlers on the local Indigenous population. 

In Saugeen Shores, Mme Dumont attended the Saugeen First Nation Pow Wow, where she was honoured to be asked to be part of the Grand Entry procession. 

Education 

Having had a long and distinguished career in education before her installation, Mme Dumont has made education a focus of her mandate. At many of her official visits, Mme Dumont met with postsecondary education leaders to discuss the contributions their institutions make in building skills and preparing engaged and informed graduates. In Thunder Bay, she visited the Roots Community Food Centre, which offers culinary business courses for women refugees and immigrants, as well as food-related immersive activities for high school students in and out of the classroom. And in Peterborough, she visited Trent University, where she toured the Student Centre Career Space and the Trent Centre for Aging and Society—a hub for interdisciplinary research about Canada’s fast-growing demographic. 

Seniors and Aging 

At her installation, Her Honour spoke about the importance of “treating the elderly with dignity and respect” and addressing the realities stemming from an increasingly aging population. Many of her official visits have involved interactions with seniors and those who are involved in their care.  

In Toronto, she visited Bendale Acres, which provides bilingual support for the largest population of Francophone residents of any long-term care home in Toronto. In North Bay, she toured the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, where she invested its founder and director emeritus, Mathilde Gravelle Bazinet, into the Order of Canada, on behalf of Governor General Mary Simon. In Orillia, Mme Dumont officially opened the 55+ Ontario Winter Games, which featured 300 volunteers and 1,000 participants. 

In North Bay, Her Honour toured The Village at Canadore College, an innovative facility where seniors live on campus and students deliver care and lead clinics, in an environment that promotes Western, Eastern, and Indigenous ways of knowing. 

Community Building 

Each of Her Honour’s official visits in 2024 highlighted the importance and power of building inclusive communities.  

Efforts to do so are bolstered by events and organizations that highlight and encourage reflection about local history and heritage. In Saugeen Shores, Her Honour was delighted to serve pancakes at the opening ceremony for the town’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Residents joined past and present community leaders, some of whom presented a lighthearted theatrical depiction of the town’s amalgamation from the communities Port Elgin and Southampton. Mme Dumont also toured the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, which opened in 1955 on the site of a school dating back to 1878. 

In both North Bay and Thunder Bay, Mme Dumont visited community hubs that offer support to, and opportunities for, wide ranges of residents. OUTLoud North Bay is a grassroots organization that provides a safe space for youth of all genders, backgrounds, and sexual orientations in northern Ontario. It builds support networks and hosts programming to support mental health and wellness. Thunder Bay’s Goods & Co. Market showcases the variety and creativity of local vendors and artists, and the Roots Community Food Centre runs educational and employment programs for young people in their kitchen and on farms. At Roots, Mme Dumont met with volunteers who were serving a community meals for seniors and Elders. 

In Peterborough, Her Honour attended the grand re-opening of the Canadian Canoe Museum in its new, 65,000-foot facility, which houses 600 canoes and related watercraft—the world’s largest such collection. The museum tells the stories of these boats in Anishnaabemowin, in French, and in English. 

During the opening ceremony, Mme Dumont and His Honour, Tony Viscardi, joined community leaders to paddle canoes across Little Lake. She praised the museum’s staff and volunteers for their skill in steering through rough waters—they had persevered when the museum’s first planned site fell through. As Mme Dumont told the gathering, “Sometimes the journey we make is not the one we had planned, but it’s the one we discover we needed all along.”  

Visit to the United Kingdom

In November 2024, Her Honour visited the United Kingdom to meet with His Majesty King Charles III and to build on Ontario’s strong and productive ties with the UK. She was accompanied by her husband, the Honourable Tony Viscardi, and their trip was full of memorable and illuminating experiences.  

Crown Connections 

Audience with His Majesty King Charles III 

The main purpose of Mme Dumont’s visit was to meet with His Majesty; it is customary for lieutenant governors to be granted a private audience with the Sovereign early in their mandates, as part of their roles as representatives of the Crown. 

His Majesty received Their Honours at Buckingham Palace, the official home of UK sovereigns in London. Their lively conversation underscored His Majesty’s close and longstanding relationship with Ontario, which dates back to his first visit to Canada as Prince of Wales in 1970. His dedicated engagement with our province is an inspiration. So, too, is his determination to continue finding ways that citizens of Canada, the UK, and the Commonwealth can work together to address common challenges and make the most of shared opportunities. 

Meeting with Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh 

Mme Dumont was delighted to meet for lunch with Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Together, they spoke about the Duke and Duchess’s own strong ties with Ontario—including His Royal Highness’s work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award program and Her Royal Highness’s patronage of hospitals in Toronto. They discussed Their Royal Highnesses’ past visits to the province—most recently in 2023—and ways to bolster bilateral relations.  

The Chapel Royal  

While in London, Mme Dumont visited the main chapel royal, at St James’s Palace. Chapels royal are places of worship that have received a designation from the Sovereign, in recognition of a special connection to the Crown. Ontario is home to the only such chapels outside of the United Kingdom; each one honours the enduring relationship between the Crown and Indigenous Peoples.  

At the palace’s chapel, Mme Dumont was asked to deliver a reading during one of the Sunday Services, which are open to the public. Afterwards, she met with Reverend Canon Paul Wright, who oversees the chapel and is the King’s residential chaplain; his titles are sub-dean of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal and deputy clerk of the closet. Mme Dumont presented him with a Canadian King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his efforts to promote and bolster the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown. Canon Wright had recently visited Toronto in September 2024 to host the gathering “Convening Conversations on Faith, Environment, Community, and History,” which brought together delegations from the three Ontario chapels royal for the first time.  

Windsor Castle 

Just outside of London is Windsor Castle, a royal residence that dates back nearly 1,000 years, to the time of William the Conqueror. Their Honours met with curators from the Royal Collection Trust, a charity established after a fire in the castle in 1992. The trust is charged with conserving and showcasing artwork from the Royal Collection. One of the world’s largest collections, it includes Canadian work that has been presented to members of the Royal Family during their visits, as well as work that has been specially commissioned or acquired. 

This work offers insight into the relationship between our countries, and the curators showed Their Honours Canadian art with historical significance and resonance. Highlights included portraits of Mohawk leader Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) and former prime minister Jean Chrétien, works by the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025), and watercolours related to the tour of Canada in 1860 by Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII). 

Highlighting Ontario’s Relationships in the United Kingdom 

Meeting with the High Commissioner / Roundtable on Ontario’s Influence 

The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, otherwise known as Canada House, sits on Trafalgar Square—one of London’s best-known landmarks. There, prior to our meeting with His Majesty, Their Honours met with the Honourable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Deputy High Commissioner Robert Fry. The high commission provides many services to Canadians in the UK—legal and otherwise—and is home to a gallery featuring contemporary Canadian art.   

It was fitting that, in this home away from home for Canadians, Their Honours were joined by the Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and her spouse, the Honourable Carl R. Thompson. Coincidentally, Ms. Aylward had been installed in her role on the same day as Mme Dumont, and they were both due to meet with His Majesty on the same day! 

Also at Canada House, Mme Dumont met with Wanda Hamilton, CEO of the Canada-UK Foundation, which promotes connections between our countries by funding education and encouraging collaboration. Together with Sophia Arvanitis, who is Ontario’s agent-general in London—Ontario’s primary representative in the UK—Mme Dumont hosted a spirited roundtable discussion featuring ten young Ontarian scholars and professionals living in the UK. They enthusiastically shared their experiences of international learning and working, and it was heartening for Her Honour to see them building connections among themselves after the event. 

Coronation Medal Presentation to the Honourable Hilary Weston 

While in London, Mme Dumont presented the Honorable Hilary Weston with a King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her years of service as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, between 1997 and 2002. It was a wonderful opportunity for Mme Dumont to speak with her predecessor and share the presentation with Ms. Weston’s daughter, Alannah Weston. 

Building Bridges with UK Organizations  

The Palace of Westminster 

Their Honours joined Ms. Aylward and Mr. Thompson for a visit to the Houses of Parliament (otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster), where they met with Ugbana Oyet, who is the first Black Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms Chris Rust. Serjeants at Arms are responsible for keeping order in the House of Commons and carry the House’s mace; their duties are similar to those of the Sergeant-at-Arms in the Ontario Legislature. Their Honours toured the UK’s two legislative chambers—the House of Commons and the House of Lords—as well as historic parts of the palace including Westminster Hall, a medieval great hall now used for state and ceremonial funerals. Their visit offered insight into the ways the UK’s system of government has influenced and informed Ontario’s own, and into the important roles played by the Crown in both governments. 

Institut français du Royaume-Uni 

When Mme Dumont was installed as our province’s first Francophone lieutenant governor, she promised to proudly promote Ontario’s Francophonie and our bilingualism, which are not just powerful economic assets, but also integral to Ontarian identity. In London, it was instructive for her to learn about the work of the Institut français du Royaume-Uni, an organization that promotes French language learning and culture in the UK. Their Honours toured the many facilities in the Institut’s beautiful building in South Kensington, near the Natural History Museum—including a cinema, a library, and conference rooms—in one of which Mme Dumont joined a roundtable discussion about the French Institute’s work.  

Chickenshed Theatre  

Another focus of Her Honour’s mandate is helping to build caring and resilient communities. Art has an important role to play in revealing how differences between people can be overcome, as demonstrated by the remarkable work of Chickenshed, a renowned theatre company in north London. Formed in 1974—and previously based in a disused chicken shed!—the company stands as a shining example of inclusion and accessibility. It offers educational programming for high schools and universities, and in institutions such as prisons and hospitals, and its productions feature people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Their Honours were delighted to tour Chickenshed’s purpose-built theatre, where they observed the rehearsal process and discussed the power of inclusive theatre with actors and administrators.  

That night, Their Honours watched a thrilling performance of Pan, Chickenshed’s 50th anniversary Christmas show. The company’s version of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan featured a rotating ensemble cast of 800—around 160 per night. Pan was a wonderful celebration of intergenerational community spirit, and Their Honours left the theatre feeling energized about the possibilities offered by art and education to bring people together, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Audience with His  Majesty King Charles III

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was received today by His Majesty King Charles III for an audience at Buckingham Palace.

“It was a great honour to meet His Majesty and convey Ontarians’ deep gratitude for his service,” said Lieutenant Governor Dumont. “Our conversation was an inspiring reflection on Ontario’s vibrant and diverse communities, and it was clear that His Majesty holds a profound affection for our province.”

The meeting underscored His Majesty’s close and longstanding relationship with Ontario, which dates back to his first visit as Prince of Wales in 1970. Her Honour was accompanied by her spouse, His Honour Mr. Tony Viscardi.
As part of her visit to London, Her Honour has also met with young Ontarian scholars and professionals living in the United Kingdom, as well as with representatives from organizations and institutions with connections to Ontario and Canada.

It is customary for the lieutenant governors of Canada’s provinces to meet with the Sovereign early in their mandates, as part of their roles as representatives of the Crown.

His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the Throne on September 8, 2022, following a lifetime of dedicated service to the Commonwealth. The Honourable Edith Dumont was sworn in as Ontario’s 30th lieutenant governor on November 14, 2023. She is the first Francophone to serve in this role in Ontario.