Final answer:
In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19 years old, distinct from the U.S. minimum legal drinking age of 21 as required by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. This reflects Canada's province-specific approach to establishing legal adult alcohol consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal age for a person to legally drink an alcoholic beverage in Ontario is 19 years old. This age is determined by the legal standards set within Canada, which differ from those in the United States. In 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted in the U.S., mandating states to raise their minimum legal drinking age to 21 or face a penalty of reduced federal highway funds. However, the legal drinking age in Canada varies by province, with Ontario setting the age at 19. The discussion around the legal drinking age, as influenced by organizations such as Mothers Against (MADD), focuses on reducing alcohol-related incidents and promoting responsible consumption.