Flag raising celebrates 400 years of Francophone presence

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger and other dignitaries raised a special flag at Tom Davies Square Friday to celebrate 400 years of Francophone presence in Ontario.

Bigger said at the ceremony he was proud the celebrate Sudbury's Francophone heritage and community.

“It's not just Francophones who should celebrate. We encourage everyone to come celebrate with us,” said Joanne Gervais, executive director of l'Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario du Grand Sudbury, who also took part in the ceremony.

“We're here to stay and we're proud to be here,” Gervais said. “We don't want to be anywhere else. We love Ontario, it's our province.”

Throughout 2015, Franco-Ontarians are celebrating Samuel de Champlain's exploration of what is now Ontario, 400 years ago.

Champlain's arrival, said Gervais, was a defining moment for the Francophone presence in Ontario.
A number of events are planned throughout the year to celebrate the momentous event.

On June 13, actors will re-enact Champlain's arrival at Bell Park, along the shores of Ramsey Lake.

Saint-Jean-Baptist Day, on June 24, will also feature a number of events, including family activities at Collège Boréal, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a flag-raising ceremony.

On Sept. 25, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, there will be 400 simultaneous flag-raisings across the province.