Info Ontario

Ontario is a place of opportunity, discovery and fun for thousands of newcomers every year. In the Discover Ontario section of this website you will find interesting facts about the province and its history and culture. It’s a great way to learn more about your new home!

People and History

The name “Ontario” comes from a native word, possibly “Onitariio” or “Kanadario,” loosely translated as “beautiful” or “sparkling” water or lake. Learn more about Ontario’s people and history.

Tradition and Customs

The Ontario motto is shown in Latin on a banner at the bottom of the provincial Coat of Arms. “Ut incepit Fidelis sic permanet” means “Loyal she began, loyal she remains.” Discover the rich heritage of the Province of Ontario.

The world’s most famous war poem, “In Flanders Fields,” was written in 1915 by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a doctor from Guelph, Ontario, who served in France during World War I.

Arts and Culture

Born in Sri Lanka, Michael Ondaatje made Canada his new home after arriving from England in 1962. His novel The English Patient won him the 1992 Booker Prize. In 1996 it was turned into an Oscar-winning film by director Anthony Minghella.

fun facts

Basketball was invented by an Ontario professor. Dr. James Naismith introduced the game in 1891, using peach baskets nailed to a gymnasium balcony. Visit the Naismith Museum in his hometown, Almonte.

Made in Canada

One of Ontario’s oldest cars is the 1901 Neff Steam Buggy, now on display at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum. A project of local businessman and inventor Benton Neff, the steam-powered vehicle was among the first ever made in Canada. Find out what else is made in Canada.

Geography & Climate

Ontario is a very large province. In fact, it has more than one time zone! The boundary line between the Central Time Zone and Eastern Time Zone (90°W) is just west of Thunder Bay. But some small towns like Big Trout Lake, Upsala and Shebandowan, on either side of the line, have chosen their own time zone. Learn about time zones, daylight savings and the lay of the land.

Ontario is one of the most multicultural societies on earth. Half of all immigrants to Canada settle in Ontario. Of those, half live in Toronto, Ontario’s largest city, and half live in other communities across the province.

Explore Ontario: Be a Tourist in Your New Home

The best way to get to know your new home is to spend some time exploring, like a tourist! Explore Ontario.

Ontario Welcomes You

As a newcomer to Ontario, you may have many questions. The Province of Ontario has many services and programs to help you find the answers, information and support you need to succeed.

Fun Facts and Figures

Babe Ruth, a baseball legend, hit his first professional home run in Toronto on September 5, 1914. Look up more trivia, just for fun!

How do I apply to immigrate to Ontario, Canada?

The Government of Canada, through the department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), is responsible for processing immigration applications. You can find information on their website. Ontario has a Provincial Nominee Program, Opportunities Ontario, where Ontario nominates individuals for permanent resident status.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to have access to government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and others may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public as soon as you arrive to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care.
How can I find out about Ontario's Francophone community?

You will find information about the different programs and services available to Francophone immigrants in Ontario in our Living in French section and on Etablissement.org (en français).
What should I do if an employer wants me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends.You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool.
How can I get my education and professional credentials assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get information about the Ontario economy?

You can find information about Ontario's economy and get economic updates on the Ontario Ministry of Finance's website and find out about the Canadian economy from Industry Canada.
How much does it cost to apply as a business immigrant?

You can find the application fees on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada site and additional information on business immigration such as how much you need to invest in Ontario on Invest in Ontario.
If I am an international student, what are my employment options?

There are employment opportunities for international students while studying in Canada. Certain students are eligible to work in their field of study for up to two years after graduating. Eligible students must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a work permit. You need a social insurance number to work in Canada.