Citizens speak out on 'Flag Flap'

It seems ridiculous Sudbury, being composed of the third largest bilingual population in Canada, will not fly a flag, representative of this fact. Thirty-six per cent of the population can speak French. There should be some respect for the other official Canadian language.

Professor, Laurentian University

If it was not for the francophone population, who were pioneers in the mines and paper mills, the north would not be here today. I don't understand the narrow-minded mentality. The Franco-Ontarians are not asking for equal lettering or that you address them in French. All they ask is a flag showing their participation in the community they help build.

Ottawa

Of course the Franco-Ontarian flag should fly at Tom Davies Square! Aren't you afraid of losing credibility by asking that kind of question?

In order to support the "other" founding people of Canada, the flying of the Franco-Ontarian flag is an honour, and a privilege. For those who refuse this privilege, I feel it is their loss. Unfortunately, the entire community suffers from the decision made by city council. Please, don't let closed-mindedness run Sudbury. It has been a community built by people from around the world, from many cultures and languages. Always, the city has encouraged this diversity.

(Former Sudbury teacher now lives in China.)

I applaud the city councillors responsible for voting down the motion to fly the Franco-Ontarian flag on a permanent basis at Tom Davies Square. It is not feasible for the city to fly the flag of every ethnic, religious or special interest group on a permanent basis so why should council appoint elevated or special status to one group at the exclusion of all others? The fact of the matter is that the Canadian, Ontario and City flags should be sufficient. Congratulations to council for having the courage to do the right thing.

I think our Franco-Ontarian flag should fly because it is the symbol of the two official languages of our country. We are not immigrants while Italians, Germans, Greeks are.

I just voted on the northernlife.ca poll about whether or not the Franco-Ontarian flag should fly at Tom Davies Square. I believe it should. But I also believe that the flags at Tom Davies Square should represent all cultures in our wonderful city.

Student, École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier