MPP West defends French language programs and jobs at Laurentian

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) called on the Ford government for financial support to save Laurentian’s French language courses, jobs, and Franco-Ontarian post-secondary education.

“Laurentian is a launching pad for achievements and equity for the Franco-Ontarian minority,” said West. “It was at the University of Sudbury that Gaétan Gervais created and hoisted the Franco-Ontarian flag.

“The situation calls for concrete actions. Will the premier financially support Laurentian to save the gains of the Franco-Ontarian community in post-secondary education, yes or no?”

West said that the Ford government’s inaction on Laurentian has forced organizations like the Francophone Association of Ontario (AFO) to actively participate in the court proceedings to address the French-speaking question and the rights of the Franco-Ontarian community.

“Doug Ford and the Minister of Colleges and Universities have dragged their feet for over six months, and we join with Franco-Ontarians to demand action to protect university programs in French in Northern Ontario,” said West.

“Will the premier ensure the continuity of all programs in French and of all French-language positions at Laurentian, yes or no?”