The Lieutenant Governor’s ceremonial duties involve acting in an official capacity as head of state in the following ways:
Awards Ceremonies
Over the years, the Government of Ontario has established official honours and awards that are presented by the Lieutenant Governor. For all such awards, members of the public submit nominations to an honours advisory council, which then provides the government with recommendations. The Lieutenant Governor presides over ceremonies for these awards every year. For more, please see Honouring Ontarians.
Recognizing Service to the Crown
The Lieutenant Governor maintains strong links with members of the Canadian Armed Forces and first responders: police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
Since 2011, lieutenant governors of Ontario have served ex officio (i.e., by virtue of their office) as Colonel of the Regiment of the Queen’s York Rangers (1st American Regiment), a primary reserve unit in the Canadian Army. This honorary appointment recognizes the regiment’s link to Colonel John Graves Simcoe, first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada (now Ontario), who commanded the regiment during the American War of Independence.
The Lieutenant Governor recognizes the service of members of the Canadian Armed Forces by attending military ceremonies, and fulfils related duties such as presenting colours to regiments.
She represents Ontarians at funerals and memorial services honouring fallen members of the military, first responders, and prominent public officials. She also attends annual commemorative services on Remembrance Day as well as other commemorations of historical events (e.g., D-Day, the Korean War armistice).
Hosting Visitors to Ontario
The Lieutenant Governor is Ontario’s official host. She greets and receives members of the Royal Family on royal tours and during their stays in the province. She also welcomes world leaders and representatives of international institutions, providing them opportunities to learn more about Ontarians and Canadians. She hosts members of the diplomatic and consular corps for courtesy calls at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.
Representing the Crown
Representing the Crown at events related to the monarchy (e.g., accession ceremonies, celebrations of coronations and royal anniversaries) and greeting members of the Royal Family on their visits to Ontario.
Occasionally, when the Governor General is unavailable, the Lieutenant Governor is asked to fulfil her role (e.g., to invest Ontarians into the Order of Canada).