Founded in the US in 1877 by members of the Knights of Honor who were not happy with some of the Knights’ insurance processes. Members were acceptable men between 18 and 55. The organization provides life, sickness, and disability insurance.
It was a very successful organization, having at its peak (late 1800s) about 200 000 members. It still exists, with about 20 000 members.
The initiation ritual is online3
By 1878, there was a Council in Ontario4. There is a Grand Council of Ontario. The local unit is called a Council.
Click for a list of Councils in Ontario
References:
(1) www.royalarcanum.com
(2) Stevens p186
(3) http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/royal_arcanum.htm
(4) Sackett p228