Saint Paul University (SPU) will mark the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag by inaugurating the Place de la francophonie, a new symbolic space on its campus.
The official ceremony, presided over by Rector Patrick Leroux, will begin at 8:45 a.m. with the raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag. This solemn moment will be followed by cultural activities, including the performance of the Franco-Ontarian anthem Notre Place and a short address by Mr. Benoît Cazabon highlighting fifty years of Franco-Ontarian history.
At 9 a.m., the community will be invited to the inauguration of the Place de la francophonie. Three trees will be planted there a maple, an oak, and a third species representing the vitality, diversity, and rootedness of the Francophonie. The planting will take place in the presence of representatives from Collège Boréal and the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), along with invited dignitaries and ambassadors. Everyone will be invited to take part in this collective gesture, a symbol of life and continuity.
This initiative is part of a long-term vision: in 2026, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the French Language Services Act, new trees will be added to enrich this space. The Place de la francophonie will gradually evolve into the Forest of the Francophonie, a living symbol of memory, solidarity, and a shared future.
About Saint Paul University
Founded in 1848, Saint Paul University is an institution of higher education guided by values centered on creating a more just and humane future. Through its specialized programs in the humanities and social sciences, Saint Paul University seeks to foster positive social change and empower communities through research and innovation.
