Celebrating the 1st Franco-Ontarian Day

September 25, 2010

McGuinty Government Encourages Ontarians To Celebrate Francophone Culture

The first Franco-Ontarian Day is being celebrated today.

September 25 was adopted unanimously earlier this year by the legislature as Franco-Ontarian Day. The official day recognizes the contribution of the Franco-Ontarian community to the cultural, historical, social, economic and political life of the province.

Throughout the province the Francophone community is commemorating the festive and symbolic character of this historic day. From a local celebration in Oshawa, to a flag raising in Kapuskasing, communities across the province are paying tribute to Franco-Ontarians.

Since 2003, the Ontario government has overseen the creation of the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner, the restructuring and revitalization of TFO, the addition of new French-designated areas and the creation of the Prix de la francophonie de l’Ontario. Franco-Ontarian day is another example of Ontario supporting strong communities.

QUICK FACTS

  • September 25 is the 35th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, the date on which it was raised for the 1st time in Sudbury in 1975.
  • 2010 marks the 400th anniversary of the French presence in Ontario and the 100th anniversary of ACFÉO-ACFO-AFO.
  • Close to 600,000 Francophones in Ontario form the largest Francophone community outside Quebec.
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