TORONTO — Ontario’s government marked Franco-Ontarian Day with renewed commitments to cultural and economic development, announcing a $1 million investment to support Francophone events and initiatives across the province.
Premier Doug Ford and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs, issued a joint statement on Thursday highlighting the significance of the day and the enduring contributions of the province’s Francophone community.
“On September 25, we proudly celebrate Ontario’s Francophone community and all their contributions to this land over 400 years,” Ford and Mulroney said. “Through its language and culture, the Franco-Ontarian community continues to enrich our province and contribute to its strength, diversity and prosperity.”
Celebrating 50 Years of the Franco-Ontarian Flag
This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, which was first raised in 1975 at the University of Sudbury. The green and white banner has since become a symbol of pride and resilience for the province’s 744,000 Francophones, representing both their cultural heritage and their enduring role in shaping Ontario’s identity.
“As official flag-raising celebrations, including at Queen’s Park, take place across our province today, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag — a powerful symbol of pride and resilience,” the joint statement read. “The flag stands as a testament to the vital role Francophone culture plays in shaping the identity and future of our province.”
Across Ontario, community centres, schools, and municipalities organized events to honour the day, reflecting both the grassroots and provincial recognition of Franco-Ontarian heritage.
Strengthening Services and Economic Development
Beyond symbolic gestures, the government’s announcement underscores tangible commitments to improving access to French-language services and strengthening Francophone economic opportunities.
“In support of this spirit, our government is investing an additional $1 million this year to support events that recognize the unique contribution of Francophones to Ontario and promote their cultural and economic growth,” Ford and Mulroney said.
They outlined the province’s broader plan to integrate Francophone priorities into public policy, including modernizing the delivery of French-language health services. This, they said, will improve the quality of care and health outcomes for Francophone residents, particularly in regions where access to services in French has been limited.
“Our government’s plan to protect Ontario means ensuring access to high-quality French-language services, fostering economic development and promoting the language and culture both at home and abroad,” the statement continued.
Supporting Francophone Entrepreneurship
The provincial government also pledged to continue investing in Francophone entrepreneurship, an area of growing significance as Ontario seeks to leverage its bilingual workforce in trade and international relations. By supporting small business owners and startups within the Francophone community, the government aims to enhance economic growth and create opportunities in both domestic and global markets.
Ford and Mulroney noted that the government will also work to strengthen partnerships with other Francophone jurisdictions in Canada and internationally, positioning Ontario as a leader in Francophone economic and cultural collaboration.
“We will continue to support initiatives such as modernizing the delivery of French-language health services to improve quality of care and outcomes, investments in Francophone entrepreneurship and efforts to strengthen partnerships with other Francophone jurisdictions to make Ontario the best place to work, live and raise a family,” the statement read.
Broad Community Recognition
Franco-Ontarian Day has been recognized in Ontario since 2010, when the legislature unanimously passed a bill to establish September 25 as an official day of celebration. The date was chosen to commemorate the raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag in Sudbury 35 years earlier.
The day highlights the community’s four centuries of history in Ontario and its role in education, culture, and economic development. Ontario is home to the largest Francophone population outside Quebec, representing about 4.7 per cent of the province’s residents.
For Ford and Mulroney, this year’s celebration served as both a recognition of history and a vision for the future.
“On this Franco-Ontarian Day, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the invaluable contributions of the Francophone community,” they said. “Happy Franco-Ontarian Day! Bonne journée des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes!”
As communities across the province raised the green and white flag, Ontario’s leaders underscored the importance of fostering both pride and progress within one of the province’s most influential cultural groups.
