Premier’s Statement on St-Jean-Baptiste Day
Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement on St-Jean-Baptiste Day in Ontario:
“On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I want to wish everyone a Happy St-Jean-Baptiste Day.
This is a day to commemorate the vital role the Francophone community has played in the Canadian experience — past, present and future.
This year is particularly significant, as we commemorate 400 years of Francophone presence in Ontario. We are proud to mark this occasion with a summer full of exciting events celebrating the cultural, political, economic and social contributions of the Francophonie.
Ontario is proud to be home to nearly 612,000 Francophones — the largest population in Canada outside of Québec. This shared French heritage has made Ontario and Québec natural partners, and we have worked together to improve interprovincial trade, support economic development, combat climate change and improve the quality of life for people in both provinces.
That is why, in 2014, Ontario and Québec signed a declaration that recognizes the Francophonie as an integral part of the foundation that Canada’s past and future success is built on — and it is why we are committed to working toward the promotion, protection, longevity and vitality of the Francophone identity.
So on this special day, I want to thank our Francophone friends, family and neighbours for all that you are doing to make Ontario a prosperous and vibrant province.”
