OFA: 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act

Twenty years old... An age of promise, an age of big projects and big dreams.

2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act.

Francophones throughout the province are celebrating the numerous accomplishments that have helped create stronger French communities in a more prosperous Ontario. They are honouring all the people who, through their conviction, determination and generosity, have made progress possible. And they set their eyes on the future.

The 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act provides the government with an opportunity to reiterate its commitment to the progress of Ontario's French-language communities, while also recognizing their social, economic and cultural contributions.

The 20th anniversary celebrations are part of a concerted, government-wide effort to mark this important milestone in Ontario's history.

These celebrations are taking place from March 20 (International Day of La Francophonie) through November 20, one day following the 20-year anniversary of the adoption of the French Language Services Act. While celebrating the passage of the Act, these events also recognize the wealth and vitality of Ontario's Francophone community.

Launch of the 20th anniversary celebrations

On March 20, International Day of la Francophonie, Minister Madeleine Meilleur officially launched the program of celebrations.

Projects

First Ontario Francophonie Awards and Anniversary Gala

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty celebrated, on November 20, the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act by presenting the first-ever Ontario Francophonie Awards, which recognize valuable contributions to the advancement of French language and culture in Ontario.

Recipients of the 2006 Ontario Francophonie Awards

Reference Documents on the Francophonie Awards

A partnership with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
In cooperation with OLG and TFO

"Your vision" Contest

More than half a million Francophones live in Ontario. They play an important role in the province's business, cultural and social sectors. The contribution of Francophones is a key element of the province's vitality and prosperity.

We have invited our website visitors to tell us what they thought the French presence means to this province, how it enriches us all. Entries were to be sent by September 30, 2006.

The contest winner is Sylvie Samson, Grade 11 student at Le Relais Catholic High School in Alexandria, for her nice poem Vert et fier, vers l'avenir. Sylvie received her prize at the 20th Anniversary Gala on November 20, where she also read her poem.

Provincial forum on community development and linguistic duality

In partnership with the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE), the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of Community and Social Services will hold a provincial forum on community development and linguistic duality to identify priorities and best practices, and foster strategic community development specific to regional needs. This forum, which will include ministry staff, community organizations and key Francophone stakeholder groups, will provide an overall perspective of the Francophone identity and its changing dynamics.

Originally scheduled for October, this forum will now take place on December 13 at the Holiday Inn on King, in Toronto.

An initiative of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and the Ministry of Community and Social Services

Traveling Exhibit of Archival Documents

The Archives of Ontario present Ontario's Francophonie – Then and Now, a 22-panel traveling exhibit that both recognizes and celebrates the history of Franco-Ontarians. This project will highlight the contribution of the French community to the province. This exhibit will be launched early in 2007.

A partnership with the Ministry of Government Services and Muséoparc Vanier Museopark

Other projects celebrating the 20th anniversary

Franco-Ontarian Festival of Theatre in Schools

From April 20 to 22 in Ottawa, several hundred Francophone students have taken to the stage, seen shows produced by fellow Ontario high school students and participated in several workshops. This provincial event has been an excellent opportunity for exchanges among Francophone teenagers and has also reinforced the cultural identity of Francophone youth.

Don Juan

Don Juan has been presented in French at the Stratford Festival between October 12 and October 20, 2006. The Office of Francophone Affairs has celebrated this unique event in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation at the premiere on Saturday October 14. For more details, see www.stratfordfestival.ca/plays/donjuan.cfm

Symposium on "Aménagement linguistique"

This symposium, which took place on October 11, 12 and 13 in Ottawa, has been an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the accomplishments that have resulted from implementation of the "Politique d'aménagement linguistique" (Language Planning Policy). It has permitted the sharing of expertise and resources among school boards and their partners to maximize the quality of programs and services offered by French-language schools to their students and communities. For more details, see www.symposiumpal.ca (site in French only).

Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie

The Government of Ontario plays a key role in the area of Francophone affairs in Canada. This year, Ontario hosted the 11th Ministerial Conference on the Canadian Francophonie in Ottawa on October 12 and 13. This forum has allowed Ontario to pay tribute to its Francophone community in front of all provincial, territorial and federal governments while highlighting our province's achievements over the last 20 years.