Ontario’s Health Services Restructuring Commission recommends closure of Hôpital Montfort.
Timeline
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1997
February 24 -
1997
February 25Creation of the SOS Montfort movement, led by Gisèle Lalonde, to save the hospital from closure.
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1997
March 22Close to 10 000 people fill the room during the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally, with songs, music and speeches.
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1997
May 30The Commission postpones its final decision on hospital closings in Ottawa.
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1997
June 18Unveiling of the SOS Montfort Resistance Monument.
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1997
August 13The Commission announces that Hôpital Montfort will remain open and retain its own administration.
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1998
March 20The laneway leading up to the hospital is renamed “Avenue du 22 mars” to mark the anniversary of the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally.
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1998
August 13The SOS Montfort Fund campaign is launched.
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1999
June 14 to 18Montfort’s cause is defended by Ronald Caza before three judges of the Ontario Divisional Court, before a packed courtroom.
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1999
November 29The Ontario Divisional Court rules in favour of Montfort and contests the Commission’s instructions. The Court orders that the hospital remain open.
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2001
May 14 to 17Three judges of the Court of Appeal hear both parties defend their positions in Toronto.
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2001
December 17Victory! Ontario’s Court of Appeal hands down a unanimous and unequivocal decision in favour of SOS Montfort.
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2002
SeptemberFollowing 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.
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2003
November 12Launch of the book “Montfort : la lutte d’un people” by Michel Gratton, in the main entrance of the hospital.
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2004
MarchCreation 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.
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2009
June 9Unveiling of a mural commemorating the SOS Montfort movement on the Vanier Parkway, close to McArthur Avenue.
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2010
October 13Official unveiling of La Francophonie Monument in front of the hospital, before a crowd of some 200 people.
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2013
March 22Proclamation of March 22 as the Day of Franco-Ontarian Solidarity by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, on the anniversary of the Grand Ralliement solidarity rally.
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2017
March 22The Foundation presents a performance to celebrate 20 years of franco-ontarian Solidarity.