“Montfort, closed, never! Three words that embodied the leitmotif of the Franco-French activist
Ontario’s Gisèle Lalonde to oppose the closure of the Montfort Hospital at the end of the 1990s. Gisèle Lalonde had made it her hobbyhorse. Three words that will have galvanized a crowd of some 10,000 people when the only French-speaking hospital in Ontario was threatened with closure by the government of Mike Harris.
Gisèle Lalonde was an extraordinary force of nature. To this end, singer Zachary Richard highlighted the qualities that made the strength of the activist. “With her inexhaustible strength and irresistible energy, she will remain for me an example of positive commitment and courage. »
Died at the age of 89, Mr.me Lalonde leaves behind a long journey that has inspired generations of Franco-Ontarians to continue the fight for the protection of the French language in Ontario. His commitment to the Francophonie was reflected in all facets of his professional life. Whether it was when she was a teacher, a school trustee, president of the Ottawa Separate School Board, founder of the Franco-Ontarian Center for Educational Resources or mayor of Vanier, her love for the French language was the spearhead of all his life for the protection of the linguistic, cultural and social rights of Franco-Ontarians.
In a context where the promotion of the Francophonie was subject to the policy of the small step on the part of the Ontario government, and embodied the poor relation of the ministries of Health and Education, Ms.me Lalonde will have been an immeasurably great force for the Francophonie. His constant desire to be at the forefront of the battles of the Francophonie will have been an inspiration for generations to come… On behalf of all Franco-Ontarians, a sincere thank you, Ms.me Lalonde, for your tenacity in ensuring the defense and survival of French in Ontario.
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