Celebrating 400 Years of French Existence in Ontario

QUEEN’S PARK – This year marks the 400th anniversary of the exploration of Ontario by French Explorer, Samuel de Champlain.  In 1615, Champlain travelled by canoe to Huronia on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, where he met with many nations and spent months travelling to the villages of the region.  Historians today consider Champlain to have been a statesman and a leader with vision.

“On behalf of the members of the Ontario PC Caucus, it is a pleasure for me to congratulate the over 611,000 Franco-Ontarians today as we celebrate a milestone anniversary with 400 years of French existence in Ontario,” said Patrick Brown, Leader of the Official Opposition.  “Francophones have helped build a province that is rich in culture and history.”

“Today, I am happy to be taking part in the flag raising ceremony at the Rotary Park in Penetanguishene.  This area of the province is particularly important because it is where Samuel de Champlain spent much of his time 400 years ago”, added Brown.

This year, Ontario also celebrates 40 years of the Franco-Ontarian flag.  First introduced at Laurentian University in 1975, the flag features a fleur-de-lys and a trillium, which together represent the French-Canadian heritage of the Franco-Ontarian community.  

Brown added, “Whether travelling north, south, east, or west in the province, we see the Franco-Ontarian flag flying proudly in many francophone communities across Ontario.  I look forward to working with francophones throughout the province to continue to build strong relationships.”

You can view Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown’s recorded message here: https://t.co/vEcdgrz6my