Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on Franco-Ontarian Day:
“On this day, in 1975, the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised for the very first time over the University of Sudbury. It bears the fleurs-de-lis, which has represented French-Canadians for generations, alongside Ontario’s trillium flower, uniting these symbols together, just as our history has united us together.
“Franco-Ontarians fiercely defend the French language, as well as greatly contribute to our culture, economy, and political system. Linguistic rights have been contested for generations, with instances such as Regulation 17, which tried to suppress French language education. This attempt to assimilate Franco-Ontarians was rightfully met with strong resistance and was modified in 1927 and later repealed. This example demonstrates the importance of the preservation of the French language and how we must work hard to protect it.
“The contributions of Franco-Ontarians are felt throughout the province and especially in our rural communities, where the French language is embedded in daily life. Our province’s proud bilingualism promotes the social ties and economies of our towns and cities.
“Today, 1.5 million Francophone Ontarians will come together to honour their history, their culture, their language, and their future. As we join in celebrating this priceless inheritance at the heart of our country’s founding, we commit to protecting and promoting one of our founding languages.
“Happy Franco-Ontarian Day to all Ontario’s Francophones!”