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Education

French schools play a critical role in maintaining the French language and culture.

In 1912, the provincial government passes Bill 17, which forbids the teaching of French in Ontario schools. Several members of the local French clergy rebel against their bishop, Mgr Fallon, who champions the government's position. Father Lucien Beaudoin, from Our Lady of the Lake parish in Ford City, becomes a symbol for the resistance. At his death in 1917, Mgr Fallon's choice to replace him sets off the Ford City Riot.

In 1927, the government repeals Bills 17 and French once again takes its place in the curriculum. Today, with L'Essor, Lajeunesse and Paincourt High Schools, area francophones can attend classes in French from kindergarten to the end of high school.

Étienne Meloche & grandchildren, 1912, Courtesy of Marcel Meloche, P2697
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Schoolchildren, Petite Côte, c.1910, Courtesy of the Municipal Archives, Windsor Public Library, P5800

Basketball team, L' Essor High School, Franco-Ontarian champions, spring 1992, Courtesy of L' Essor High School

Ste. Catherine School, Pain Court, 1934, Courtesy of Amédée Emery
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