Ontario is marking Franco-Ontarian Day with a celebration of the province’s French-speaking communities and their contributions to its economy, culture and social fabric, as the government also prepares to strengthen its role within the international Francophonie.
Premier Doug Ford and Francophone Affairs Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta issued a joint statement Thursday, September 25, recognizing generations of Franco-Ontarians and highlighting Ontario’s growing engagement with French-speaking communities in Canada and abroad.
Franco-Ontarian Communities Recognized Across Ontario
Franco-Ontarian Day provides an annual opportunity to recognize the French language, culture and heritage that have helped shape the province. The government’s statement emphasized the role Francophones continue to play across industries, communities and public life.
“Today, on Franco-Ontarian Day, we celebrate Ontario’s vibrant Francophone communities, whose language, culture and traditions have enriched our province for generations.
Franco-Ontarians are an integral part of Ontario’s identity. Across the province, Francophones contribute to every sector of our economy and every aspect of our society. Their leadership, talent and ingenuity continue to strengthen Ontario. The French language also connects our province to the diverse global community of French speakers.
As Ontario prepares to join partners from around the world at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia, we continue to strengthen our leadership within the international Francophonie. Ontario is also co-chairing the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie and will be hosting its annual conference in 2027, while Canada has submitted a bid to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit in Ottawa.
Our government will always champion Ontario’s French-speaking communities, both here at home and on the world stage.
On this special day, we invite everyone in Ontario to join us in celebrating the Franco-Ontarian community and its many contributions to our province.
Happy Franco-Ontarian Day!
Bonne journée des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes!”
Ontario Looks to Expand International Francophonie Role
The statement comes as Ontario prepares to participate in the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia, bringing the province into discussions involving governments and jurisdictions connected through the French language.
Ontario’s involvement provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with French-speaking markets and communities internationally while promoting the province’s economic, educational and cultural interests.
Province to Host Canadian Francophonie Conference in 2027
At the national level, Ontario is co-chairing the Ministers’ Council on the Canadian Francophonie, an intergovernmental forum focused on issues affecting Francophone communities and the use of French across Canada.
Ontario is also scheduled to host the council’s annual conference in 2027. The event will bring together representatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments to discuss cooperation on Francophone priorities.
The province’s plans come as Canada has submitted a bid to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit in Ottawa. If selected, the gathering would bring representatives from across the international Francophonie to Canada’s capital.
French-Speaking Communities Remain Part of Ontario’s Economic Landscape
Beyond cultural and linguistic heritage, the provincial statement highlighted the economic contribution of Francophones. French-speaking Ontarians work across a broad range of sectors and communities, contributing skills, entrepreneurship and professional expertise to the province.
Ontario’s French-language connections also provide links to a wider international network of Francophone economies and institutions, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and economic relationships.
Franco-Ontarian Day is observed annually on September 25. The occasion celebrates the history and identity of Ontario’s Francophone population and recognizes the continued presence of the French language throughout the province.
This year’s message places that celebration within a broader national and international context, with Ontario preparing for upcoming Francophonie events while reaffirming its commitment to French-speaking communities at home.