Help recognize outstanding contributions by nominating community groups or individuals for one of the following awards (click the award title criteria, eligibility and nomination instructions).
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour the thousands of people who generously contribute their time as volunteers across Ontario. These awards are an important way to recognize volunteers who have provided service over many years. Nomination deadline: January 25 of each year.
Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recognizes the outstanding achievements of youth volunteers across the province. By honouring outstanding contributions made by youth volunteers, this award recognizes exceptional young people as role models. Many of our youth volunteers are future leaders. Up to 10 recipients are chosen each year. Nomination deadline: January 31 each year
The Order of Ontario is the province's highest honour. It recognizes Ontarians who have made an outstanding contribution to society in Ontario and around the world. Past recipients have contributed to education, the arts, community and public service, science and medicine, citizenship and multi-culturalism, business, sports and many other fields. Those who are invested into the Order of Ontario are considered an example of excellence to all Ontarians. Nomination deadline: March 16 of each year. If March 16 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
This award was created to recognize and foster the spirit of innovation that thrives n Ontario's agricultural sector. It encouraged the development of rural communications farms, agri-food processors and agri-food organizations by adding value to existing products, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Nomination deadline: April 10 of each year.
Since 1993, The Lincoln M. Alexander Award has recognized young people who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in eliminating racial discriminating. Each year, three young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, receive an award of $5,000 each and a framed scroll. Nomination deadline: May 31 each year. If May 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
Recipients of the Ontario Senior of the Year Award are people who have made Ontario communities better places to live. Recipients must be over 65 Ontario old. Only municipalities can nominate seniors for this award. Information about nominations is provided each year to about 200 municipalities in Ontario. Nomination deadline: April 30 of each year. If April 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
The Ontario Senior Acheivement Award
The Ontario Senior Acheivement Award program celebrates the significant voluntary and professional accomplishments and contributions made by Ontarians over the age of 65. The Minister Responsible for Seniors will join the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in presenting the awards in a ceremony at Queen's Park. Nomination deadline: June 15 of each year. If June 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
Established in 1973, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship honours Ontarians who, through exceptional, term efforts, have made outstanding contributions to life in their communities. Nominations may be submitted online by visiting the website, or download the PDF format from the website and submit by mail. Nomination deadline: July 17 each year. If July 17 falls on a weekend or a holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
The Ontario Heritage Trust Recognition Program
The Ontario Heritage Trust offers three recognition programs for outstanding contributions made to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage. Nomination deadline: September 30.
Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts
This is an opportunity to show support for an artist or arts organization in Ontario that you feel deserves to be in the spotlight. Awards are conferred in two categories: Individual Artist and Arts Organization. Nomination deadline: December 2 of the year prior.
June Callwood Outstanding Acheivement Award for Voluntarism
The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism recognizes individuals and groups who have made an exceptional contribution to voluntarism in Ontario. Nomination deadline: December 5 of each year. If December 5 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 pm the following business day.
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