Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a statement honouring the life and legacy of The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, Ontario’s 26th Lieutenant Governor, who passed away earlier this year. The statement coincides with a service in celebration of her life, recognizing her lasting contributions to the province’s civic, cultural, and philanthropic landscape.
Honouring a Lifetime of Public Service
In his statement released Friday, Premier Ford expressed his condolences to the Weston family and reflected on Mrs. Weston’s remarkable record of service to the people of Ontario.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ontario’s 26th Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Hilary M. Weston,” Ford said.
Appointed in 1997, Hilary M. Weston was the second woman ever to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor in Ontario’s history. During her five-year term, she was widely regarded for her dedication, compassion, and relentless work ethic.
“Mrs. Weston — then only the second woman to have been appointed as our province’s lieutenant governor — served the people of Ontario with distinction and honour in that role from 1997 until 2002,” Ford said. “She worked tirelessly, making more than 43,000 appointments of notaries and commissioners and signing more than 15,000 orders-in-council. She visited nearly every corner of our province, attending close to 1,500 events celebrating the very best of Ontario.”
Champion of Volunteers, Women, and Youth
Beyond her constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities, Mrs. Weston was recognized for her advocacy for community service, women’s leadership, and youth development. Ford’s statement highlighted her enduring commitment to social causes that strengthened local communities across Ontario.
“As Lieutenant Governor and throughout her life, Mrs. Weston was committed to championing volunteers, women and children,” Ford said. “Notably, she created the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Awards to honour student volunteers and unsung heroes in the community, and established the Hilary M. Weston Foundation for Youth, to which she donated her salary as Lieutenant Governor.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Awards, established during her tenure, continue to celebrate high school students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to volunteerism. Her personal foundation, the Hilary M. Weston Foundation for Youth, remains a symbol of her belief in empowering young Ontarians through support, mentorship, and community engagement.
A Legacy in Arts, Culture, and Philanthropy
Mrs. Weston’s influence extended far beyond government and public service. She was a prominent philanthropist who contributed to Ontario’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, supporting major institutions and initiatives that continue to benefit the province.
“Mrs. Weston’s generosity and dedication to improving the lives of others will be remembered and celebrated,” Ford said, “while her support for literary prizes and cultural institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario and others, will leave an enduring impact on Ontario’s cultural landscape.”
Her long-standing patronage of the arts included major endowments and leadership roles that helped sustain cultural organizations across Canada. These contributions reflected a lifelong passion for creativity, education, and social progress — values that shaped her work both as Lieutenant Governor and as a private citizen.
Remembering an Enduring Legacy
Hilary M. Weston’s public life embodied a rare blend of civic leadership and personal generosity. During and after her term, she became a role model for women in leadership and a powerful advocate for community engagement. Her initiatives and charitable work bridged public service and philanthropy, leaving a legacy that continues to touch lives across the province.
In closing his remarks, Premier Ford offered heartfelt condolences to the Weston family on behalf of all Ontarians.
“On behalf of the people of Ontario, I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Weston family,” he said.
As Ontario reflects on the life and legacy of The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, her contributions to civic life, culture, and community remain a defining part of the province’s history. From the creation of volunteer awards to her enduring impact on cultural institutions, Mrs. Weston’s life serves as a lasting example of public service rooted in compassion and dedication.
