Speech by the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
Unveiling of a plaque commemorating the Francophone presence in Hearst
Grotto Park, Hearst, Ontario
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thank you very much, Mr. Piché, for this kind introduction.
Mesdames et messieurs, ladies and gentleman, good afternoon.
It is a great pleasure for me to be with you today for the unveiling of this plaque commemorating the Francophone presence in Hearst.
The history of Hearst's Francophone community flows from the vision of its builders, the courage of its inhabitants and the will of its entrepreneurs.
The pioneers who came to settle in Hearst at the start of the 20th century faced many hardships. Little by little, they got organized and they have built thriving churches, schools, hospitals, community groups and businesses.
And above all, for close to a century, the Francophones of Hearst have kept their language and culture very much alive. The community has continued to grow so that today the majority of the people in the town are Francophones.
This plaque pays homage to this firm resolve to live and prosper in French.
As you may know, this plaque is the third in a series of ten that will commemorate Francophone people, places and events across Ontario.
As Minister of Francophone Affairs, I am delighted to see that this valuable project is moving forward.
I am also proud to celebrate the partnerships that have made it possible to carry out this important project, such as the five years of cooperation among the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Office of Francophone Affairs and Canadian Heritage, which have led to the erection of ten commemorative plaques.
Today, the Town of Hearst and the Association française des municipalités de l'Ontario have also joined their efforts to underline the presence of Francophones in Hearst and their invaluable contributions to the economic, social and cultural life of the town and the region.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the French Language Services Act, the time is right to celebrate the rich history of Hearst's Francophones and together to focus on the future of Ontario's Francophone communities.
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you, merci beaucoup.
