The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, receives France’s Légion d’honneur
OTTAWA (Ontario), December 10, 2025 — Her Honour the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour of the French Republic by the Ambassador of French to Canada, Mr. Michel Miraillet, on December 10, 2025.
The Legion of Honour, France’s highest order of merit, was created by Napoleon Bonaparte, who, after becoming Emperor of the French, made the first formal presentation of the insignia in 1804. The Legion of Honour continues to be awarded in recognition of outstanding civilian or military achievements in any field. It can be presented to foreign personalities who have made extraordinary (cultural, economic, scientific, etc.) contributions to France or have furthered causes (humanitarian causes, human rights, freedom of the press, the Francophonie, etc.) to which France is committed.
This distinction honours Ms. Dumont’s unwavering commitment to the vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community, to strengthening cultural, educational and human ties between France and Canada, and to promoting the language and culture of a diverse Francophone community in Ontario and beyond.
“It is a profound honour and a true privilege to pay tribute today to a tireless champion of the French language in Ontario and across Canada, an educator at heart and a true friend of France,” said Mr. Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to Canada.
“This recognition goes far beyond my personal journey—it celebrates a collective commitment, shared values, and above all, the unbreakable bonds that unite our two countries,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “This distinction reminds me of my responsibility to continue working to promote the Francophonie and strengthen the bridges between our communities,” she added.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Ambassador of France to Canada, dignitaries, and members of Ontario’s Francophone community.
The Legion of Honour is one of many distinctions received by Ms. Dumont in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to public service, including: Member of the Order of Ottawa (2017), Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques (2018), Chevalière de l’Ordre de la Pléiade (2021), Member of the Order of Ontario (2023), Dame of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (2024), and King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024).
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Frédéric Paruta
Embassy of France in Canada
frederic.paruta@diplomatie.gouv.fr
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Lieutenant Governor to Visit Kingston to Highlight Francophone Education, Military Heritage, and Youth Support Services
October 27, 2025. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will make an Official Visit to the City of Kingston on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Her Honour will visit local Francophone secondary schools, meet with His Worship Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston, tour the Royal Military College of Canada, and visit Youth Diversion to engage with staff and volunteers supporting at-risk youth in the community.
This will be Her Honour’s fourteenth official visit in Ontario.
Itinerary
Monday, October 27, 2025
10:00 a.m. – Tour of École Secondaire Publique Mille-Îles/École Secondaire Catholique Marie-Rivier
Her Honour will tour Francophone secondary schools and meet with students and staff.
Photos available upon request
11:30 a.m. – Meeting with His Worship Mayor Bryan Paterson and Tour of Kingston City Hall
The Lieutenant Governor will meet with Mayor Paterson at City Hall, followed by a tour and reception with City Councillors and City staff.
Photos available upon request
Media Availability – available upon request following the City Hall visit
1:45 p.m. – Visit to the Royal Military College of Canada
Her Honour will tour the campus and attend a reception with naval and officer cadets.
Photos available upon request
3:20 p.m. – Visit to Youth Diversion
Her Honour will visit Youth Diversion and participate in a roundtable conversation with staff and volunteers.
Photos available upon request
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Communications and Public Engagement
City of Kingston
communications@cityofkingston.ca
Lt Joel Breton
Public Affairs Officer
Royal Military College of Canada
Canadian Armed Forces
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Lieutenant Governor Launches Province-Wide Artistic and Community Initiative in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag
SUDBURY, ON, September 25, 2025
Today, the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, officially launched “Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together,” a province-wide artistic and community initiative marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Running from September 2025 to fall 2026, the initiative will bring together local artists and community members from across Ontario, supported by cultural, community, and academic organizations. Together, they will create works of art that will form the foundation of a collective exhibition showcasing the diversity, vitality, and creativity of Ontario’s francophonie.
Led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, and supported by the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario and TFO, the initiative welcomes projects of all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, digital media, and interdisciplinary projects. Selected projects will be eligible for up to $10,000 in funding, along with mentorship and regional support.
“This 50th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come over the decades, while proudly and confidently looking ahead to the future of our shared story in Ontario,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through this initiative, we’re inviting everyone to take part by sharing their stories and showcasing their creativity. Together, let’s shape a vibrant mosaic that reflects the richness, diversity, and vitality of Ontario’s francophonie.”
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Open to all: Community members, artists, organizations, and institutions from across Ontario are invited to take part.
- Comprehensive support: Projects are eligible for funding and will receive mentorship and practical resources to help bring their ideas to life.
- Built on partnerships: Supported by a network of cultural, community, governmental, and media partners.
- Collaborative process: Each project adds a unique piece to a collective artistic mosaic that reflects the diversity and vitality of Ontario’s francophonie.
- International visibility: Selected works will be showcased at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia
- Lasting legacy: All works will be preserved in a permanent digital showcase, with potential integration into educational resources.
Timeline and Participation:
- The initiative welcomes contributions from Ontarians of all backgrounds and experience levels, recognizing that Ontario’s francophonie is enriched by diverse voices, stories, and art forms.
- Interested participants can submit expressions of interest from September 25 to November 21, 2025, via the initiative’s official website (www.franco50.ca).
- Information webinars are scheduled for October 14 (French) and October 15 (English).
Quick Facts
- Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together! will support community-driven art projects which will serve as the building blocks to produce a collective exhibition showcased in Ontario, on a bilingual web platform, and at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
- Ontario counts about 650,000 Francophones and over 1.5 million residents who speak or understand French.
- The Franco-Ontarian flag, first raised in Sudbury in 1975, became an official emblem of Ontario in 2021.
Quotes
“For 50 years, the Franco-Ontarian flag has embodied the pride, resilience and cultural richness of Ontario’s Francophone community—the largest in Canada outside of Quebec”, said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophones Affairs. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the social, cultural and economic development of Francophones in Ontario and their invaluable contributions to the province over the past half-century. Happy Franco-Ontarian Day!”
— The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Ministry of Francophone Affairs
“ACO is proud to join Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in this meaningful initiative, which highlights how the arts lie at the heart of our Francophone heritage and carry its promise into the future.”
— Benoît Roy, Chair, Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario
“As an organization that proudly invests more than $4 million each year in Franco-Ontarian arts and culture, the Ontario Arts Council is delighted to be partnering with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario on this exciting initiative. The Franco-Ontarian Flag Day celebration is the perfect event to launch this project. The flag is not only a symbol of cultural pride, but a testimony to the enduring impact of Franco‑Ontarian culture. Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together! is sure to invigorate the network of Franco-Ontarian communities across the province while strengthening a sense of belonging. We are eager to see the community’s innovative and exciting projects come forward.”
— Simon Foster, Chair, Ontario Arts Council
For more information:
Website: www.franco50.ca
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario launches “Celebrating 50 Years – Shaping the Future Together” A Province-Wide Artistic and Community Initiative
OVERVIEW
“Celebrating 50 Years — Shaping the Future Together!” is a comprehensive artistic and community initiative marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. From September 2025 to September 2026, artists, organizations, and communities from across Ontario will come together to create a collective body of work that showcases the diversity, vitality, and creativity of Ontario’s francophonie.
Led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, this initiative is delivered in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, and with the support of the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario and TFO.
Recognized in 2001 as the official symbol of Ontario’s French-speaking community and, in on September 25, 2021, as an official provincial emblem, today, the Franco-Ontarian flag is proudly flown all across Ontario, from schools to Queen’s Park. It stands as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and diversity. This initiative honors that legacy and looks to the future, inspiring new artistic expressions that reflect the evolving character and composition of Ontario’s francophonie.
At its heart, the project is inclusive and participatory. It welcomes contributions from Ontarians of all backgrounds and experience levels, recognizing that Ontario’s francophonie is enriched by diverse voices, stories, and art forms.
OBJECTIVES
The initiative aims to:
- Celebrate and showcase Ontario’s contemporary francophonie in all its vitality, diversity and creativity
- Foster artistic co-creation and meaningful engagement among artists, citizens, organizations and communities across Ontario
- Create lasting artwork rooted in Ontario that reflect the richness and the breadth of francophone culture
- Strengthen connections across generations, cultures, regions and language groups.
- Offer visibility and a platform for both emerging and established artists
WHAT IS SUPPORTED
Open to all artistic mediums, from visual arts, music, dance, theatre, digital creations, and interdisciplinary projects. Each selected project could receive up to $10,000 in funding, along with mentorship and regional support.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Projects are evaluated based on artistic vision, community participation, cultural, social and artistic value, feasibility, originality, and commitment to inclusion and co-creation.
SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITIES
Selected works will be featured as part of a collection in the form of an exhibition, digital and web format, and as part of a showcase at the 2026 Francophonie Summit in Cambodia.
PARTICIPATION
Community members, artists, organizations, and institutions interested in taking part can submit an expression of interest through the initiative’s website (www.franco50.ca). The process is designed to be accessible and inclusive, with support available at every stage.
Potential funding and in-kind partners may also support subsequent phases of this initiative by contacting lg@ontario.ca.
How to Participate:
- Submit an expression of interest (September 25 – November 21, 2025)
- Connect with a regional liaison agent
- Attend information webinars
- Submit official project proposal (November 3 – December 19, 2025)
- Participate in jury selection process
- Implement project with ongoing support (February – June 2026)
For more information:
Website: www.franco50.ca
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Celebrating 50 years – Shaping the future together
September 25, 2025. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a special reception at Place des arts de Sudbury to launch ” Celebrating 50 years – Shaping the future together!”, a province-wide artistic and community initiative in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Led by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in partnership with the Alliance culturelle de l’Ontario, and supported by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council and TFO, the initiative invites Ontarians from all backgrounds to imagine and co-create a collective work that celebrates and showcases the vitality and diversity of Ontario’s francophonie.
This milestone celebration brings communities together across the province to honour a rich cultural legacy and to build a shared vision for the future.
Photo Opportunity and Interview Availability
Event: Official launch of ” Celebrating 50 years – Shaping the Future Together”
Date: September 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Place: Place des arts de Sudbury, 27 Larch St, Greater Sudbury, ON P3E 1B7
Media interview with Lieutenant Governor will be available following the event, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Media representatives may register to attend by emailing laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca. Accredited media only.
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Lieutenant Governor to Celebrate Franco-Ontarian Heritage and Community Leadership during Official Visit to Greater Sudbury
September 23, 2025. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will make an Official Visit to the City of Greater Sudbury from Wednesday, September 24 to Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Her Honour will participate in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Franco-Ontarian flag, meet with His Worship Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury, visit local schools and Women’s centres, host the unveiling reception for a province-wide initiative, and attend various community events highlighting the vibrancy of Ontario’s francophonie in Northern Ontario.
This will be Her Honour’s twelfth official visit in Ontario.
Itinerary
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
8:25 a.m. Meeting with His Worship Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury
The Lieutenant Governor will meet with Mayor Lefebvre at City Hall, followed by a reception with community leaders.
Photos available upon request
9:40 a.m. Visit to St. Francis Catholic Elementary School
Her Honour will tour the school and meet with students, including presenting a congratulatory letter to young author Kylie Simpson, in recognition of the publication of her book Note to Self.
Photos available upon request
10:40 a.m. Visit to École publique Jeanne-Sauvé
Her Honour will tour the French-language elementary school and view student art projects created for the Franco-Ontarian flag anniversary.
Photos available upon request
11:40 a.m. Visit with Representatives from Women’s Centres
Her Honour will meet with representatives from the Sudbury Women’s Centre and Centre Victoria pour femmes.
Photos available upon request
6:00 p.m. TFO Programming Launch Event
Her Honour will deliver opening remarks at the launch of TFO’s 2025-26 programming at Place des Arts de Sudbury.
Media Availability and Photo Opportunity
Thursday, September 25, 2025
10:30 a.m. Tintamarre and Franco-Ontarian Flag Raising Ceremony
Her Honour will join the traditional Tintamarre and deliver remarks at the milestone flag-raising ceremony at the University of Sudbury, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Media Availability and Photo Opportunity – Open to the public
1:00 p.m. Unveiling Reception – Province-wide Initiative
Her Honour will host an unveiling reception at Place des Arts de Sudbury. Further information can be provided under embargo.
Media Availability and Photo Opportunity
5:15 p.m. Cocktail reception in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Collège Boréal
Her Honour will attend a cocktail reception to mark Collège Boréal’s 30th Anniversary
Photos available upon request
7:00 p.m. Banquet des Franco-Ontariens
Her Honour will deliver remarks at the Franco-Ontarian banquet and awards gala hosted by l’ACFO-Sudbury at Collège Boréal.
Media Availability and Photo Opportunity
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Linda Godin
TFO
Joanne Gervais
ACFO du grand Sudbury
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