French communities, schools celebrate Franco-Ontarian day and 50 years of the flag

French communities and schools across the province are celebrating Franco-Ontarian day — and 50 years of the flag.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the green and white banner. 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.

Franco-Ontarian Day was first named in 2010.

Flag ceremonies and cultural events are planned at many schools and students and staff are encouraged to wear green and white to show their pride.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced funding today to go towards the Francophone community.

“The flag stands as a testament to the vital role Francophone culture plays in shaping the identity and future of our province. 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 said.

According to the provincial government there are more than 652,500 Francophones in the Ontario and 1.5 million Ontarians can speak French, making Ontario 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.

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