NDP calls on Liberals to fund plan to transform University of Sudbury into autonomous francophone educational institution

OTTAWA — NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice have sent a letter to Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and Official Languages Minister, Mélanie Joly, to ensure that the University of Sudbury's transformation into an autonomous French-language educational institution which is adequately funded.

"Francophone communities across the country are concerned about the decline of French. With the news that Laurentian University has filed for creditor protection, these concerns will only increase," said Mr. Singh. "With more than 150 university courses offered and more than 800 sections of courses taught in French each year, a solution must be found urgently to preserve French post-secondary education in minority communities. "

Citing financial woes, Laurentian University announced that it will be slashing its French-language programs, raising fears for the French-language programs at the University of Sudbury, an affiliated university of Laurentian University.

"The University of Sudbury's transformation project must be supported without delay and federal funding must be forthcoming," said Mr. Boulerice. "The sustainability of French in Northern Ontario and post-secondary francophone education in these communities are at stake. If the Liberals are really serious about preserving French in this country, they should demonstrate it without further hesitation. "

This situation comes at a time when the Trudeau government is still delaying the introduction of a bill to reform the Official Languages Act. This is in addition to the many calls for the increasing privatization of all universities in the country.

New Democrats will continue to fight for the language rights of francophones across the country and to ensure that the Liberal government keeps its promise to reform the Official Languages Act.

Francophones across the country deserve better.