The second Monday in March is officially Commonwealth Day and, on March 9th of this year (2026), Mary Foley of Saugeen Shores also brought forward to Council that March has been recognized by the Federal government as Irish Heritage month (encompassing St. Patrick’s day, March 17th).
“March was officially declared Irish Heritage Canada month by the House of Commons in 2022,” said Foley, who came to Canada from Ireland with her parents at the age of seven. “Canada has become a multicultural mosaic since I became a Canadian citizen some 40 years ago. My goal is to share culture and heritage to communities throughout Ontario.”
She went on to say, “In Saugeen Shores, we foster heritage and culture and when I look at our Irish dancers, we are also fostering leaders. This is about humanity, unity and peace in the community and I ask that an Irish flag be raised in the month of March. The flag raisings in 12 municipalities began today (Monday), including Blue Mountain which is hosting the Multicultural event for Grey Bruce this year. We need to be recognized and appreciated.”
Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that the policy has been to not raise the flag of other countries. “We are keen to support what you are doing in the community and want to work with you in celebrating Irish Heritage month, for as we know, there are many in the community of Irish descent. So, this request like all others, will be referred to staff for a report.”
Councillor Bud Halpin, who has relatives living in Ireland, inferred that if the Town raises the Irish flag, it may set a precedent. “If we raise this flag, where will it stop? I do not want to start raising other countries’ flags.”
Vice-deputy Mayor, Mike Myatt, also agreed with Halpin. “Where will this stop? I too am concerned about flying flags of other countries.”
Councillor John Divinski pointed out that there are currently three flag poles at the Town administration site. “Could we not dedicate one of the poles to this kind of thing?”
In reply, Foley said that other countries, such as India and China, also have a special month. “We have 12 months … let’s raise those flags to honour and respect them. We are Canadian citizens and we all should be recognized on the ‘community’ flag pole. The Canadian flag is always number one, followed by the Provincial flag and the municipal flag but, if you fly the Pride flag for the month of June but ignore an ethnic flag … this could be a human rights issue. We are trying to educate here as things have evolved over the years.”
Councillor Dave Myette also said he would not support flying another country’s flag.
Deputy Mayor Diane Huber added, “We cannot fly flags from other countries. I hope that, if the staff report that comes back regarding the Town flag policy, says it needs revision, then that’s the place to start. The policy took some time and thought and when we raise a flag, or lower a flag, for an event or reason, then a revision should start with the policy.”
Councillor Rachel Stack pointed out that when it comes to policy, the Town should consider how cultural heritage events are recognized. “It would be useful to clarify how we want to recognize cultural heritage moments, days or months so that we can consider this kind of issue in terms of uniformity and opportunity.”
The Mayor said that “… staff will look at a way to celebrate Irish Heritage month and that could be a template for what we do in the future.”
The Irish flag has a long and complex history. While the Irish Tricolour has been recognized as the ‘flag of Ireland’, in Northern Ireland the official flag is the Union Jack of the United Kingdom (UK).
A staff report will come back to Council.
