With Ontario House, the Ontario 2010 Olympics Secretariat ensured that Ontario was well-represented at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The Secretariat paid special attention to compliance with the French Language Services Act, ensuring that, in addition to signage and touch screen menus in French, employees who spoke French were identified by a pin that said Bonjour! Events at Ontario House included performances by Franco-Ontarian singer-songwriter Damien Robitaille and Swing.
When it comes to public events and celebrations, the Commissioner believes Ontario must lead the way in showing its savoir-faire to the world. The ceremony that was held at the Ontario Legislature, on December 2, 2010, to welcome Canada’s new Governor General, his excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, was such an event.
The well-attended gathering was a proud moment for the Commissioner, and for all Franco-Ontarians, as both official languages were honoured in equal measure. This was the case in each and every speech and presentation as well as in the choir’s rendition of O Canada. the Commissioner would like to commend the staff of the Office of International Relations and Protocol for the success of this important gathering. Truly, this ceremony deserves an honourable mention.
