Protocols: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I address the Premier and/or cabinet ministers?
In addressing a letter to the Premier and/or cabinet ministers use the title "The Honourable" which can be shortened to The Hon., e.g., The Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario; The Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment.
The salutation should read:
Dear Premier or Dear Premier McGuinty
Dear Minister or Dear Minister Gerretsen
Do the Premier and/or cabinet ministers retain the title "The Hon." after leaving office?
No, however, sometimes a premier is made a member of the Queen's Privy Council by the federal government in which case he retains the title "The Hon." for life.
How do I position two flags together if one is Canada's?
If you stand facing the flags, Canada's flag is on the left and the other, whether it is a national or sub-national flag, is on the right, as follows:
Canada Other
How do I position three flags together if one is Canada's, one Ontario's and one is from a foreign country?
If you stand facing the flags, Canada's flag should be in the centre, the flag of the foreign country is to the left, and Ontario's flag is to the right, as follows:
Foreign Country Canada Ontario
How do I position three flags together if one is Canada's, one is Ontario's and one is a municipality?
If you stand facing the flags, Canada's flag is in the centre, Ontario's flag is to the left and the municipal flag is to the right as follows:
Ontario Canada Municipality
When and why are the Ontario flags lowered to half mast? Are there any occasions for which the flag is automatically half-masted?
There is a standard practice for half-masting flags, established by the federal government and followed by all provinces. The practice is not mandatory for individuals or organizations, but is an adaptation of international usage and reflects a long-standing custom in Canada. It dictates that flags across the country are automatically half-masted upon the death of an immediate member of the Royal Family, and a current or former governor general or prime minister.
Flags in respective provinces are half-masted upon the death of a current or former Lieutenant Governor or premier.
Flags at individual ministry or regional facilities may be half-masted in cases of lives lost while at work, or other tragic events.
For the Government of Canada's flag protocol please visit The National Flag of Canada.
In what order do dignitaries speak at a ceremonial event?
The order of speakers at any event depends upon who is hosting and who the dignitaries are. For an event hosted by the Government of Ontario, speaking order is determined by Ontario's Order of Precedence, with some variation depending upon the specific speakers. For assistance in determining order of speakers, please contact us:
Office of International Relations and Protocol
1075 Bay Street, Suite 830
Toronto, ON M5S 2B1
Telephone: 416-325-8535
Fax: 416-325-8550
History of Government
