Franco-Ontarian Day celebrated across the province

French communities and schools across the province are celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day.

Franco-Ontarian Day was first named in 2010 following a unanimous motion passed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

This year marks the 51st anniversary of the green and white Franco-Ontarian flag.

Created by history professor Gaétan Gervais and political science student Michel Dupuis, it was first raised on Sept. 25, 1975 at the University of Sudbury.

The green and white bands of the flag evoke summer and winter. The ‘fleur-de-lis’ (lily flower) represents the French-speaking community and the green trillium is the provincial flower of Ontario.

Flag ceremonies and cultural events are planned at many French schools across the province, with students and staff encouraged to wear green and white.

“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,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

According to the provincial government, there are more than 652,500 Francophones in Ontario and 1.5 million Ontarians can speak French, making the province home to Canada’s largest Francophone community outside of Quebec.

Francophone heritage in Ontario dates to 1613 when French explorer Samuel de Champlain travelled – and mapped – parts of the province.

Representatives from Ontario will attend the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia in November.

Canada has submitted a bid to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit in Ottawa.