SOS Montfort Timeline
Montfort went through numerous transformations since its founding in 1953; the Montfort team met many challenges and won many victories. But it is for the “SOS Montfort” cause that our hospital has entered the history books.
1997
February 24
Ontario’s Health Services Restructuring Commission recommends closure of Hôpital Montfort.
1997
February 25
Creation of the SOS Montfort movement, led by Gisèle Lalonde, to save the hospital from closure.
1997
March 20
2000 students from local high schools and La Cité college march to Montfort and form a human chain around the hospital.
1997
March 22
Close to 10 000 people fill the room during the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally, with songs, music and speeches.
1997
May 30
The Commission postpones its final decision on hospital closings in Ottawa.
1997
June 18
Unveiling of the SOS Montfort Resistance Monument.
1997
August 13
The Commission announces that Hôpital Montfort will remain open and retain its own administration.
1998
March 20
The laneway leading up to the hospital is renamed “Avenue du 22 mars” to mark the anniversary of the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally.
1998
August 13
The SOS Montfort Fund campaign is launched.
1999
June 14 to 18
Montfort’s cause is defended by Ronald Caza before three judges of the Ontario Divisional Court, before a packed courtroom.
1999
November 29
The Ontario Divisional Court rules in favour of Montfort and contests the Commission’s instructions. The Court orders that the hospital remain open.
2001
May 14 to 17
Three judges of the Court of Appeal hear both parties defend their positions in Toronto.
2001
December 17
Victory! Ontario’s Court of Appeal hands down a unanimous and unequivocal decision in favour of SOS Montfort.
2002
September
Following the Court of Appeal’s ruling, and in light of chronic under-funding, the hospital receives a large budget to enable it to pursue its double mission of community services and teaching.
2003
November 12
Launch of the book “Montfort : la lutte d’un people” by Michel Gratton, in the main entrance of the hospital.
2004
March
Creation of the “March 22 Medal.” Twenty-two of these medals are minted, to be awarded to individuals who have shown pride, determination and tenacity, three qualities crucial to the success of Hôpital Montfort.
2009
June 9
Unveiling of a mural commemorating the SOS Montfort movement on the Vanier Parkway, close to McArthur Avenue.
2010
October 13
Official unveiling of La Francophonie Monument in front of the hospital, before a crowd of some 200 people.
2013
March 22
Proclamation of March 22 as the Day of Franco-Ontarian Solidarity by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, on the anniversary of the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally.
2017
March 22
The Foundation presents a performance to celebrate 20 years of franco-ontarian Solidarity.