The name "Ontario" was first used for Lake Ontario. It meant "beautiful lake" or "sparkling water" in the Iroquois language. Early settlers named the land along the lake shore "Ontario". Ontario became a province in 1867.

Ontario's flag looks much like Canada's former flag, the Canadian Red Ensign. It became the official provincial flag in 1965. The Union Flag (Union Jack) is in the upper left hand corner. The Shield of Arms is on the right side of the flag. The Union Flag represents Britain which founded the first colonies.

COAT OF ARMS

The shield has the Cross of St. George on top. This represents the early settlers who were English. Three gold maple leaves sit on a green background. Green and gold are the official colours of Ontario. A moose and a deer are on either side of the shield. A black bear standing on a gold and green wreath is above the shield. The Latin motto is "Ut incepit Fidelis sic permanet". It translates to "Loyal she began, loyal she remains". The motto refers to the United Empire Loyalists who settled in Ontario during the American Revolution.

THE WHITE TRILLIUM

This flower grows freely in the woodlands . Three white waxy petals form each flower. It blossoms in late April and in early May. The blooms are very sensitive to light. The blossoms are usually facing the sun. The Trillium is a protected plant. It is also the logo of the government of Ontario. OTHER EMBLEMS tree - Eastern White Pine bird - Common Loon (known as "great northern divers") mineral - Amethyst (purple, birthstone for February)