Georgian Bay General Hospital has been sporting the ‘green and white’ since September 24; that’s the day the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised at both sites of the hospital.

“Georgian Bay General Hospital proudly serves a diverse and multi-cultural patient population,” CEO Paul Heinrich said. “Francophones make up a large percentage of the local population, in fact our hospital serves more francophones than any other hospital in our region, and we are committed to meeting their needs for a seamless experience at our hospital.”

The local community celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25^th with Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop and friends from La Clé d'la Baie at the Maple Valley Club.

On September 24, Mr. Heinrich was joined by francophone board member Rick Philbin and staff members to officially raise the Franco-Ontarian flag at the Midland site of Georgian Bay General. At the same time the hospital replaced the flag at the Penetanguishene site.

“Raising the flag is a very visible symbol of the hospital’s commitment,” La Clé d'la Baie executive director Peter Hominuk said. “The flag signals to patients that this is a place where francophones are welcome. And just as importantly it is also encouraging for French-speaking staff because it invites them to be proud francophones.”