50th Anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag Under the Honorary Patronage of the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Ottawa, March 20, 2025 – The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), the Université de Sudbury, and the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO) of Greater Sudbury are proud to announce that the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will serve as the honorary patron of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. Her participation in these historic celebrations will highlight the significance of this official emblem of the province for all Franco-Ontarians and the entire population of Ontario.

The partners invite all Ontario citizens to take part in this historic celebration, participate in events, and share their pride by using the 50th-anniversary logo throughout the year. This commemorative logo is more than just a visual symbol; it celebrates 50 years of Franco-Ontarian presence and vitality and pays tribute to the pioneers of the Franco-Ontarian flag.

We also encourage the community to share the activities they are organizing as part of this celebration. Together, let’s make this anniversary an unforgettable moment for the entire Franco-Ontarian community and the entire province!

« The 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag is a historic milestone in our collective journey. It is a celebration of our past, a recognition of our present, and a commitment to our future. It reflects the legacy of those who shaped our history and the drive of our youth who carry our future with conviction and passion, » said Peter Hominuk, Executive Director of AFO.

« The celebrations have begun! Today, we unveil the official logo for the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag and launch festivities that will resonate across Ontario all year long. Join us in Sudbury on September 25 for the flag-raising at the Université de Sudbury, where it all began in 1975. In the evening, we welcome you to the Franco-Ontarian Banquet hosted by ACFO of Greater Sudbury at Collège Boréal, » said Joanne Gervais, Executive Director of ACFO of Greater Sudbury.

« Raised for the very first time on September 25, 1975, at the Université de Sudbury, the Franco-Ontarian flag, now an official emblem of the province, is a unifying symbol of a society committed to the development of the French language and Ontario as a whole, » said Serge Miville, President of the Université de Sudbury.

« The 50ᵉ anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag is an opportunity to celebrate a vibrant and pluralistic Francophonie, rooted in all aspects of our society, from education to culture, from business to public service. This symbol reflects the strength of our language and our community, united by history and looking to the future. It’s a proud moment when Francophones and Francophiles recognize themselves in a shared identity. I’m delighted to serve as honorary patron of these celebrations, which are a reminder that our diversity is a strength and that, together, we’re building a strong, caring province that’s open to the world, » said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

– 30 –

Click here to access the press kit.

About the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO)
The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) is the unifying body and political voice of Ontario’s Francophonie. Its mandate is to coordinate the province’s Francophone community and act as a spokesperson, advocating, among other things, for the rights of Ontario’s 795,760 Franco-Ontarians.

About the ACFO of Greater Sudbury
The Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO) du grand Sudbury is the unifying body and representative of the Francophone community in the Greater Sudbury region, from Espanola to the French River. Its mandate is to bring together the Francophone stakeholders of the territory to promote their development and growth. Committed to defending Francophone rights, it works to improve French-language services and ensures a strong and continuous Francophone presence in the region.

About the Université de Sudbury
Founded in 1913, the Université de Sudbury is the first post-secondary institution in Northern Ontario. In 1975, the very first raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag in the province took place there. The institution was officially designated under the French Language Services Act in January 2020. The Université de Sudbury acknowledges that it is located on the lands covered by the Robinson-Huron Treaty and that the lands on which it stands are part of the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishinaabeg and the Wahnapitae First Nation.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
For the AFO
Grace Selenga
Corporate Communications Manager
(613) 878-3026
gselenga@monassemblee.ca

For the ACFO du grand Sudbury
Joanne Gervais
Executive Director
(705) 674-5896 ext. 200
jgervais@acfosudbury.ca

For the Université de Sudbury
Elise Leblanc
Executive Assistant to the Rector and Secretary of the Governance Council
(705) 673-5661
eleblanc@usudbury.ca