Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to Host Literary Event in Honour of Francophonie Month
Toronto, Ontario, March 24, 2026 — The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a literary event in her Suite at Queen’s Park on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Presented in partnership with the Salon du livre and the Institut français du Canada, the event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. as part of Francophonie Month celebrations.
Media representatives wishing to attend are asked to confirm their participation no later than 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2026, by contacting Laetitia Walbert at laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca.
About the discussion
For the second consecutive year, the event offers a unique forum for meaningful encounters, thoughtful reflection, and rich exchanges on French‑language literature.
The first discussion will focus on Kolkhose by Emmanuel Carrère, the acclaimed French author, screenwriter, and filmmaker and recipient of the 2025 Prix Médicis.
The second discussion will explore Un livre, une communauté. Récit collectif des aînés et aînées francophones du Grand Toronto (A Book, a Community. A Collective Account by Francophone Seniors of Greater Toronto), and will feature a panel of contributors to the publication:
- Hélène Boudreau, Franco-Ontarian Community Leader
- Gilles Marchildon, Franco-Ontarian Community Leader
- Sigrid Pous, Member of Toronto’s Francophone Community
- Rolande Smith, President of the Toronto Historical Society
To learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s initiatives, events and priorities, please visit our website: www.lgontario.ca.
Media Contact
Pascale Guillotte
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Lieutenant Governor to Visit the Municipality of West Nipissing to Celebrate Francophonie Month and Engage with Northern Ontario Communities
March 23–24, 2026 — The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will make an Official Visit to the Town of Sturgeon Falls, in the Municipality of West Nipissing, on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
The visit is being held during the Francophonie Month and is an opportunity to recognize the vibrant Francophone community in the West Nipissing area. The visit aims to deepen ties with communities in Northern Ontario and celebrate the region’s rich francophone heritage and culture.
Over two days, Her Honour will visit several key locations throughout the Town of Sturgeon Falls, including City Hall, the West Nipissing Community Health Centre, multiple local schools, and the Club Richelieu for the Souper de la Francophonie.
Itinerary
Monday, March 23, 2026
1:00 p.m. — Official Visit to West Nipissing City Hall
Her Honour will meet with the Mayor of West Nipissing and a local Indigenous Chief, followed by a tour of West Nipissing City Hall.
Media welcomed. Photos available upon request
2:15 p.m. — Visit to West Nipissing Community Health Centre and Women in Leadership Afternoon Tea
Her Honour will tour the West Nipissing Community Health Centre and participate in a private Women in Leadership discussion with the Mayor and local women leaders from the West Nipissing area.
Media welcomed. Photos available upon request
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
9:00 a.m. — Visit to École Franco-Cité
Her Honour will tour the French Catholic school Franco-Cité for a meeting with students and staff as well as representatives from Collège Boréal
Photos available upon request
10:30 a.m. — Visit to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School
Her Honour will tour the school and meet with students, school board officials, and the principal.
Photos available upon request
1:00 p.m. — Joint Visit to Nipissing Ouest and Northern Secondary School
Her Honour will tour the school and meet with students, school board officials, and the principal.
Photos available upon request
5:00 p.m. — Souper de la Francophonie
Her Honour will participate in a community dinner hosted by a local Francophone community organization in Sturgeon Falls.
Media welcomed. Photos available upon request
To learn more about the initiatives, events, and priorities of the Lieutenant Governor, we invite you to visit our website: www.lgontario.ca
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Kimberly Marcoux
Communications and Corporate Services Officer
Municipality of West Nipissing
705-491-6419
communications@westnipissing.ca
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How the Francophonie Brings Us Together: A Dialogue on Cultural Diplomacy
Toronto, Ontario, March 20, 2026 — On this International Day of La Francophonie, celebrated worldwide under the theme “Peace Generation,” the Honourable Edith Dumont underscores the relevance and momentum sparked by the roundtable “Bridges Across the Francophonie,” held on March 17 in her Suite at Queen’s Park.
Moderated by journalist Heather Hiscox, the event convened leaders from diplomatic, media, cultural, and academic circles to reflect on how the French language fosters dialogue, builds bridges, and strengthens cultural diplomacy.
Throughout the discussions, a powerful message emerged: young people must be given genuine opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and create together. Supporting Francophone and Francophile youth, in all their diversity, is an investment in a generation committed to the future, to solidarity, and to living together in harmony. It is also a way of bringing cultural diplomacy to life by fostering openness to others and cultivating lasting bonds.
In this context, the conversation also highlighted Africa’s significant demographic role within the global Francophonie, and that cultural diplomacy, carried forward through artistic, sporting, and institutional exchanges, fosters mutual appreciation, a deep sense of belonging, and international cooperation.
“What I felt at the end of those two hours was joy, the joy of being together and speaking about a Francophonie that is clearly very much alive,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Being together in Toronto, an extraordinarily diverse city, reminds us that we are, in fact, connected to the entire world. I am Francophone in Ontario. I am Franco-Canadian. And I am also a Francophone of the world.”
The roundtable brought together His Excellency Appolinaire Aya, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to Canada; Xavier Brassard Bédard, President and Chief Executive Officer of TFO; Marie Christine Morin, Executive Director of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française; and Dr. Jonathan Paquette, International Francophonie Research Chair on Cultural Heritage Policies chairholder at the University of Ottawa.
The full recording of the conversation is now available for those who wish to continue the reflection sparked by this event: audio recording (available in French only).
Photos from the event are also available for publication.
To learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s initiatives, events, and priorities, please visit our website: www.lgontario.ca
Media Contact
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Building Bridges Across the Francophonie: A Roundtable on Cultural Diplomacy at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite
Toronto (Ontario), March 16, 2026 — The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a roundtable discussion on March 17, 2026, as part of Francophonie Month, entitled “Bridges Across the Francophonie,” focusing on the central role of the French language in contemporary cultural diplomacy.
The event will take place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Media representatives wishing to attend are asked to confirm their participation by 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2026, by contacting Laetitia Walbert at laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca.
About the discussion
Hosted by renowned journalist and former CBC Morning Live presenter Heather Hiscox, this discussion will bring together leading Francophone figures from the diplomatic, media, cultural and academic spheres. Together, they will reflect on the ways in which the French language helps to build lasting and meaningful connections in Ontario, across Canada and around the world.
Guest panellists
- His Excellency Appolinaire Aya, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo to Canada
- Xavier Brassard-Bédard, President and CEO of TFO
- Marie-Christine Morin, Executive Director of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française
- Dr. Jonathan Paquette, International Francophonie Research Chair on Cultural Heritage Policies chairholder, University of Ottawa
Key topics of the round table
- The growing role of Francophone cultural diplomacy;
- The influence of the French language on community development;
- The contribution of institutional, cultural, and academic leaders to the growth of a strong and inclusive Francophonie.
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Laetitia.walbert@ontario.ca
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Lieutenant Governor Celebrates Ontario Athletes Heading to the Winter Games
TORONTO (Ontario), February 6, 2026 – The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has released a message of encouragement recognizing Ontario athletes participating in the upcoming Milan–Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
In her message, the Lieutenant Governor highlights the role of sport as “a powerful form of cultural diplomacy” and how the Games are able to bring together nations and cultures in a spirit of mutual understanding before a global audience.
Referring to the athletes as “ambassadors” for both Ontario and Canada, she tells them, “Through competition, you find connection, you build bridges, and you embody values that are dear to us in Ontario.”
The Lieutenant Governor shared her best wishes with the athletes, wishing them many unforgettable moments.
We invite you to watch her message and join us in celebrating the athletic excellence of Ontario’s athletes—and of Team Canada.
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to host Black History Month exhibit at Queen’s Park
TORONTO (Ontario), February 6, 2026 — The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario is pleased to announce a special in-suite exhibit in celebration of Black History Month, featuring collections from the Canada Black Music Archives, Black Diasporas TkarontoToronto, and the Archives of Ontario. It will showcase the rich contributions of diverse Black communities to Ontario’s cultural heritage.
Featured Exhibitions:
Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) will be sharing materials from its collection and from its exhibit B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies, which highlight the untold stories of 23 Black artists through photographs, albums, newspaper clippings, films, artifacts, and other materials.
Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto traces life journeys of people of African ancestry through a multifaceted, immersive, and interactive installation that brings together a curated set of short community-led films and oral history narratives, exemplifying the diversity of experiences of the 265,000+ people from the African diaspora living in TkarontoToronto.
The Archives of Ontario will share a selection of images from its forthcoming on-site exhibition Illuminate Black: Shining Light on the Black Presence in Ontario, which explores the rich and complex histories of Black communities in Ontario from the earliest arrivals to the present day. The collection highlights themes including Black joy, Black culture and Black resilience.
“During Black History Month, this cultural gathering offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and honour the lasting contributions of Black communities that have shaped Ontario’s history and social fabric”, stated the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
The exhibit will take place in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park from February 11 to 13, 2026.
Exhibit Schedule:
- Wednesday, February 11 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 12 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 13 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. To plan your visit: https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn
Media Contact:
Laetitia Walbert
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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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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