Feature Story
Hello my friends! Today is Franco-Ontarian Day, and it’s also my 49th birthday! I’m the Franco-Ontarian flag, and I was designed in 1975 by Gaétan Gervais, a history professor at the University of Sudbury, and Michel Dupuis, a first-year political science student. As if that wasn’t cool enough, I was officially recognized as the emblem of the Franco-Ontarian community in the Franco-Ontarian Emblem Act of 2001.
The Franco-Ontarian Day Act, adopted unanimously in 2010 by the Legislative Assembly, proclaims September 25 of each year as Franco-Ontarian Day. It’s my favourite day of the year, because it officially celebrates the contribution of Ontario’s Francophone community to the cultural, historical, social, economic, and political life of the province! Today, we are celebrating Francophones and Francophiles all over the province, but especially those in our beautiful city.
My friends at the City of Ottawa recognize the vitality and contributions of Ottawa’s Francophone community and are proud to provide an active offer of services in both official languages. They take all of the necessary measures to inform residents and employees that City services are available and equally accessible in English and French, and remain committed to their Bilingualism Policy and both official languages.
#OttCity’s Franco-Ontarian Day Flag Raising
I even had a birthday party this morning! My friends tell me that the event was actually called a “flag raising”, but “party” sounds more fun to me. Mayor Sutcliffe, in collaboration with ACFO d’Ottawa, unfurled me at City Hall and formally declared today as Franco-Ontarian Day in Ottawa. I was so happy and honoured to see so many people come together and celebrate me and the beautifully diverse community that I represent. I’m also being celebrated in other events all over the province today.
The City was proud to collaborate with ACFO Ottawa on this event. They actually work with ACFO Ottawa on a number of initiatives annually, and this wonderful organization plays a key role in supporting Franco-Ontarian Day, which includes celebrating me!
While I’m flying proudly today at many City of Ottawa facilities, I also have a permanent home on Marion Dewar Plaza at City Hall, the Centre d’accueil Champlain, and the Carré de la Francophonie in Vanier.
From “ton beau drapeau” and your friends at the City – Happy Franco-Ontarian Day!
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.