Co-creator of Franco-Ontarian flag passes away

Franco-Ontarian flag flying at half-mast From CTV Northern Ontario: Long-time North Bay resident responsible for helping to create the Franco-Ontarian flag passes away.

Michel Dupuis, the co-creator of the Franco-Ontarian flag has passed away at age 60.

The green and white flag was first raised at the University of Sudbury on September 25^th, 1975.

It was at a time when Sudbury was experiencing unprecedented growth in Franco-Ontarian arts and culture.

The flag was conceived by Gaetan Gervais, a historian at Laurentian University and then 19-year-old student, Michel Dupuis.  It was actually made by Jacline England, a student and staff member at the university.

In 2001, the Ontario Legislature officially recognized the flag as the emblem of Ontario’s 600-thousand Francophones.

Dupuis passed away Thursday afternoon.