The AFO is committed to 7 priority issues. For each issue, the AFO has made recommendations to achieve its vision.

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Political Representation

VISION 2025 – Building Our Future Together is French Ontario’s community strategic plan for the next 10 years.

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Community Strategic Plan

The AFO is working on various projects to promote the Francophonie in Ontario and ensure the vitality of the Franco-Ontarian community.

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Projects

<h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Below you will find all press releases and statements issued by AFO.</h2>







Stay in touch with AFO by subscribing to our <a href="https://afo.membogo.com/fr/inscription-infolettre-afo">newsletter</a> (French only)

Vous trouverez ci-dessous tous les communiqués de presse et déclarations publiés par l'AFO. Restez en contact avec AFO en vous inscrivant à notre infolettre

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Ottawa, May 27, 2026 – As part of the federal government’s pre-budget consultations, the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) submitted <a href="http://api.monassemblee.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ENG-Memoire-Budget-Federal-2026-.pdf">the Franco-Ontarian community’s recommendations</a> to Canada’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne. It presents five priority recommendations aimed at better mobilizing the Francophone and bilingual workforce as a driver of Canada’s socio-economic development; strengthening the cultural and community capacities of French Ontario as a lever for institutional completeness, vitality, and development; ensuring meaningful access to French-language health services for Ontario’s Francophones; and structuring the Francophone early childhood sector to ensure equitable access to French-language child care services. “Ontario’s Francophonie represents a strategic driver of Canada’s economic, social and cultural development. It is essential that federal investments fully reflect the realities, needs and potential of our community,” said Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. The following recommendations have been submitted to the federal government: – That the Government of Canada implement an integrated and structured strategy to mobilize the Francophone and bilingual workforce in order to support Canada’s economic growth, address labour market needs, and strengthen the vitality of Francophone communities, including through the creation of a distinct economic stream for Francophone immigration. – That the Government of Canada recognize the strategic role of Francophone minority cultural institutions in supporting community vitality, institutional completeness, and economic development, and establish sustainable, targeted, and transformative investments to strengthen their capacities in creation, dissemination, discoverability, cultural mediation, heritage transmission, and outreach, notably through relevant federal mechanisms, including Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts. – That the Government of Canada provide structured, predictable, and tailored funding to support the construction, renovation, modernization, and long-term sustainability of Francophone community infrastructure in minority settings, particularly in Ontario, in order to strengthen French-language living spaces, access to essential services, inclusion, community belonging, and linguistic transmission. – That the Government of Canada integrate, into the renewal of bilateral health agreements, clear and measurable requirements, along with accountability mechanisms, for the systematic collection of information on linguistic identity and on the official language in which individuals are most comfortable receiving health services, including through health cards and medical records, in order to support improved planning of French-language health services across all provinces and territories. – That the Government of Canada require, through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT), the collection and transmission to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) of relevant, comparable, and harmonized linguistic variables, including linguistic identity and the official language in which individuals are most comfortable receiving health services, in order to measure the actual use of French-language health services by official language minority communities and improve accountability regarding public health investments. – That the Government of Canada, through the renewal of the Canada–Ontario early childhood agreements, integrate binding linguistic clauses and dedicated targets for the development of French-language child care spaces, implement mandatory linguistic accountability measures and reliable, comparable data collection, and support the deployment of a Francophone workforce strategy, essential levers for the sustainable development of French-language child care services. The AFO remains available to continue collaborating with the Government of Canada, in the best interests of the country and of Franco-Ontarians.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

Five recommendations from the franco-ontarian community for the federal budget 

Ottawa, March 26, 2026 – Following the tabling of <a href="https://budget.ontario.ca/2026/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ontario’s 2026 provincial budget</a>, the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), on behalf of the 795,760 Francophones it represents, notes that in a context of global economic uncertainty, Ontario’s ability to protect its prosperity will also depend on its ability to ensure that Francophones can fully contribute to the province’s growth, resilience, and the modernization of public services.  In an environment marked by ongoing economic uncertainty, AFO acknowledges the government’s efforts to address these challenges and reiterates its support for a strategy aimed at strengthening the province’s resilience, competitiveness, and autonomy. « It is important to recall that Ontario’s Francophonie represents a key and strategic lever in achieving the province’s broader ambitions, particularly in areas such as workforce development, productivity, innovation, and regional development » said Fabien Hébert, President of AFO. The Budget 2026 includes investments that seem to align with priorities identified by AFO, particularly in education and in key service sectors. Notably, this includes a new investment of over $5 million for learning resources that reflect the French language and Francophone culture, as well as significant investments in areas such as autism services and care. These measures are encouraging and appear to respond to priorities expressed by Francophones in the pre-budget submission. However, it will be essential to closely monitor their implementation to ensure that these investments translate into improved access to services and resources that meet the needs of Francophones. « Integrating a Francophone perspective into public investments is not optional : it determines their effectiveness, reach, and real impact across the population. AFO will continue its engagement with the government and will closely monitor the implementation and distribution of announced investments to ensure they result in tangible benefits for Francophones. Fully integrating the Francophonie into Ontario’s economic decisions means directly contributing to building a more competitive, resilient, and self-sufficient economy » concluded  Fabien Hébert, président de l’AFO.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

University of Sudbury Officially Recognized and Funded by the Government of Ontario: A Collective Victory

Ottawa, July 7, 2025 – The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) welcomes today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario confirming the funding of the University of Sudbury as an autonomous Francophone university. This first step marks a historic moment for French Ontario and a clear response to the aspirations of the community in the Mid-North. “This decision is far more than a financial gesture. It is a fundamental recognition of the right of Francophones to receive postsecondary education in French, in an institution that belongs to them and represents them,” said Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. “We commend the leadership of the Minister of Francophone Affairs, Caroline Mulroney, and the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn, who heard our call and took decisive action for our collective future. Giving our youth access to an institution built by and for them means giving them the opportunity to pursue their studies close to home, in French, without having to compromise.” The AFO also wishes to recognize the commitment of University of Sudbury Rector Serge Miville, whose attentiveness to the community and steady, thoughtful leadership helped transform a collective vision into a sustainable institutional project. This announcement brings to fruition a long-held dream, sustained by years of mobilization within Ontario’s Francophone community. Since 2021, the University of Sudbury has undertaken a major repositioning as a French-language institution, obtained its own institution number, and signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Ottawa—laying the foundation for a fully Francophone institution, rooted in its community. The President also emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue between political vision and community grounding. “This victory shows that when our communities fully engage in political conversations with solid, grounded proposals, they can turn their ideas into reality. The rigorous work led over the past few years by our Executive Director, Peter Hominuk, is a powerful example of that. With a deep understanding of the field and an ability to align community strengths, he helped carry this vision forward with clarity and perseverance.” This structural investment will enable the University of Sudbury to: – Offer programs that meet the real needs of the North (arts, STEM, business, health); – Recruit and retain Francophone talent in the region; – And continue to serve as a driver of economic, cultural, and community development. “This day marks much more than an announcement. It embodies the promise of a strong, rooted, and sustainable Francophone future. In Sudbury—where the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised for the first time 50 years ago—the province has today echoed that founding gesture by giving our community the means to realize its ambitions. This is a historic milestone, a powerful message: we are here to stay, to grow, and to shine,” concluded Mr. Hébert. The AFO wishes to highlight the exceptional mobilization of the community, educational partners, community leaders, and youth who carried this dream forward with courage and conviction.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

Ottawa, June 10, 2025 – What if, in every corner of the province, you could access primary care that is respectful,accessible, and tailored to your needs — in French? The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) is calling on the government to build a healthcare system that speaks to everyone — including the 795,760 Francophones living in Ontario. This message is at the heart of the <a href="http://api.monassemblee.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Letter_Brief-ApplicationBill13-202506.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brief</a> submitted as part of a request for consultations on the implementation of the 2025 Primary Care Act.



“Building a strong healthcare system means building a system that understands its communities. For Francophones, that means care in their language, delivered by teams who understand their realities. And the best part? Many of these teams already exist. We can leverage existing models instead of reinventing the wheel. We need to invest where it’s already working.” — Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO The brief outlines a Francophone primary care strategy grounded in services by and for Francophones, supported by providers designated under the French Language Services Act, and shaped by a pragmatic approach that takes into account geographic, cultural, and linguistic realities. Francophones represent nearly 5% of Ontario’s population, and over 30,000 Francophone-owned businesses contribute 12% of the province’s GDP. As the government advances bold strategies to Protect Ontario, it becomes clear that such a vision cannot succeed without a thriving and healthy Francophonie.  Protect Ontario means to fully include Francophones in the primary care system, ensuring access to quality care in their official language of choice, and continuing to strengthen the province’s economic, social, and human vibrancy. The AFO fully supports the government’s ambitions and reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively in the implementation strategies and mechanisms of Bill 13 — key to ensuring the resilience of our systems in the face of future challenges.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

What if primary care in Ontario spoke French, too?

Ottawa, May 15, 2025 – The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) acknowledges the strong leadership demonstrated by the provincial government in a particularly challenging economic context, especially regarding investments in primary health care. However, we find regrettable the notable absence of concrete measures to address the specific needs of Ontario’s 1.5 million Francophones and Francophiles. Despite clear, collaborative, and government-aligned recommendations submitted during the pre-budget consultations, none appear to have been taken into account. Key sectors for the vitality of Ontario’s Francophonie—such as education, culture, social services, economic development, and international Francophonie—seem to have been sidelined. “The government is investing in building the province’s economic resilience. But by failing to incorporate a Francophone perspective, it directly weakens the ability of part of its population to fully contribute to its recovery,” said Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. Although Francophone businesses account for 12% of Ontario’s GDP while representing only 5% of the population, no specific measures are targeted toward them. Furthermore, no strategy has been outlined to mobilize francophone and  bilingual labour. “Francophone markets represent a major opportunity for Ontario. It is difficult to understand why this budget fails to present a strategy to capitalize on them,” added Fabien Hébert. The budget for the Ministry of Francophone Affairs shows a 19.2% reduction, amounting to $2.7 million. This cut also raises concerns. The lack of transparency regarding the redirection of funds, leaves the community in a state of uncertainty—especially considering that the 2024 budget included a dedicated section on Supporting Ontario’s Francophone Community. “It is time for Francophones to stop being viewed as a cost, and instead be recognized as a strategic investment in the province’s future—especially in economic terms. While Manitoba is preparing to become officially bilingual, the province of Ontario seems to have forgotten the largest francophone community outside Quebec,” concluded Mr. Hébert. The AFO is calling on the government to clarify how the recommendations from its pre-budget submission were taken into account and urges swift adjustments to ensure that Ontario’s Francophones can fully contribute to the province’s prosperity.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

Ontario Budget 2025–2026: A Budget That Speaks Loudly—Just Not in French

Ottawa, May 13, 2025 – Following the announcement of the new federal cabinet led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) wishes to congratulate all newly appointed ministers. The AFO looks forward to continuing its dialogue with the federal government and its representatives across the province to advocate for the priorities of the Franco-Ontarian community. The AFO is pleased to see the responsibility for Official Languages entrusted to Minister Steven Guilbeault. This decision sends a strong signal of the importance of federal leadership committed to language rights and to the vitality of francophone minority communities. « We hope that the Official Languages mandate will help accelerate the implementation of the new Official Languages Act by fostering the development, protection, and promotion of French in Canada. The AFO expects concrete actions from the new cabinet to strengthen our communities by ensuring access to French-language services, supporting postsecondary education by and for Francophones, and fully recognizing the contributions of Ontario’s Francophonie to Canada’s economic and social vitality. More than ever, our community is a force for social cohesion and innovation, enabling Canada to seize new economic opportunities in a changing global market, » said Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. The AFO is also pleased to see Minister David McGuinty in cabinet, as he will be well-positioned to represent and raise awareness among his colleagues about the needs, aspirations, and unique reality of the Franco-Ontarian community—the largest French-speaking minority in the country. We also welcome the presence of several allies of Ontario’s Francophonie within the cabinet. The AFO reaffirms its commitment to working with the new government to promote the strategic role of the Francophonie in the development of public policies.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario congratulates the new federal government

Hearst, May 9, 2025 – « The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) is concerned about the substantial lack of French-language communications and services that persists in the context of the measles outbreak currently affecting our province. On May 7, Ontario’s Minister of Health stated that all necessary measures were in place to protect the population. We welcome this commitment. However, we must reiterate that a public health response can only be effective and equitable if it reaches the entire population. Since the beginning of the outbreak, most public health units have failed to communicate in French and do not provide clear access to vaccination in the minority official language. This is also true in several regions designated under the French Language Services Act. This is a major public health concern that compromises not only the safety of Francophone families, but also our collective protection. This is why we continue to call on the government to bring public health units under the French Language Services Act : a longstanding AFO request since the COVID-19 pandemic. A public health measure is only fully effective when it is accessible to the entire population, including both official language communities » stated Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

Statement by Fabien Hébert, President of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, on the Need for a Measles Outbreak Response that is Also Accessible in French

Ottawa, March 20, 2025 – Following the federal election held on April 28, 2025, the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) extends its congratulations to the Liberal Party of Canada and its leader Mark Carney, as well as to all elected candidates, on their victory. As the 44th Parliament resumes, the AFO looks forward to continuing its engagement with the federal government and its representatives across the province. This election saw a strong voter turnout of 67.2%, up from 62.6% in 2021, signaling a renewed commitment to democracy and a growing public interest in the issues that shape our collective future. “The strong engagement of Franco-Ontarians in the federal election is a testament to their dedication to Canada’s future. Our community clearly voiced its priorities throughout the campaign, and it is now time to get back to work. The Franco-Ontarian community remains a vital force for cohesion, innovation, and prosperity in our country,” stated Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. With expectations running high across Franco-Ontarian communities, the AFO is looking to the new government for concrete action to enhance access to French-language services, support postsecondary education by and for Francophones, and fully recognize the contribution of the Francophonie to Canada’s economic and social dynamism. The AFO also wishes to sincerely thank all the candidates it had the opportunity to meet during the campaign, in collaboration with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) of Canada. These exchanges provided a crucial platform to advance the priorities of Ontario’s Francophonie and underscore the importance of strong federal leadership in support of our communities. We warmly acknowledge all individuals who put their names forward in this election. Running for office is an act of courage and dedication to one’s community and to democracy. The AFO reiterates its commitment to working with the new government to promote the strategic role of the Francophonie and its economic contribution in shaping future public policy. We remain available to support efforts to strengthen French-language services, foster the vitality of the Franco-Ontarian community across all regions, and ensure that the rights and needs of Franco-Ontarians are fully reflected in federal priorities.



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CONTACT INFORMATION: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca

AFO Congratulates Mark Carney’s Liberal Party on Victory and Highlights Strong Voter Turnout

Ottawa, March 20, 2025 – The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), the Université de Sudbury, and the Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO) of Greater Sudbury are proud to announce that the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will serve as the honorary patron of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag. Her participation in these historic celebrations will highlight the significance of this official emblem of the province for all Franco-Ontarians and the entire population of Ontario. The partners invite all Ontario citizens to take part in this historic celebration, participate in events, and share their pride by using the 50th-anniversary logo throughout the year. This commemorative logo is more than just a visual symbol; it celebrates 50 years of Franco-Ontarian presence and vitality and pays tribute to the pioneers of the Franco-Ontarian flag. We also encourage the community to share the activities they are organizing as part of this celebration. Together, let’s make this anniversary an unforgettable moment for the entire Franco-Ontarian community and the entire province! « The 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag is a historic milestone in our collective journey. It is a celebration of our past, a recognition of our present, and a commitment to our future. It reflects the legacy of those who shaped our history and the drive of our youth who carry our future with conviction and passion, » said Peter Hominuk, Executive Director of AFO. « The celebrations have begun! Today, we unveil the official logo for the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag and launch festivities that will resonate across Ontario all year long. Join us in Sudbury on September 25 for the flag-raising at the Université de Sudbury, where it all began in 1975. In the evening, we welcome you to the Franco-Ontarian Banquet hosted by ACFO of Greater Sudbury at Collège Boréal, » said Joanne Gervais, Executive Director of ACFO of Greater Sudbury. « Raised for the very first time on September 25, 1975, at the Université de Sudbury, the Franco-Ontarian flag, now an official emblem of the province, is a unifying symbol of a society committed to the development of the French language and Ontario as a whole, » said Serge Miville, President of the Université de Sudbury. « The 50ᵉ anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag is an opportunity to celebrate a vibrant and pluralistic Francophonie, rooted in all aspects of our society, from education to culture, from business to public service. This symbol reflects the strength of our language and our community, united by history and looking to the future. It’s a proud moment when Francophones and Francophiles recognize themselves in a shared identity. I’m delighted to serve as honorary patron of these celebrations, which are a reminder that our diversity is a strength and that, together, we’re building a strong, caring province that’s open to the world, » said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.



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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/nqpyjr0u7kbluzp07lnfphv7qqbpekip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to access the press kit.</a>



About the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) is the unifying body and political voice of Ontario’s Francophonie. Its mandate is to coordinate the province’s Francophone community and act as a spokesperson, advocating, among other things, for the rights of Ontario’s 795,760 Franco-Ontarians. About the ACFO of Greater Sudbury The Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO) du grand Sudbury is the unifying body and representative of the Francophone community in the Greater Sudbury region, from Espanola to the French River. Its mandate is to bring together the Francophone stakeholders of the territory to promote their development and growth. Committed to defending Francophone rights, it works to improve French-language services and ensures a strong and continuous Francophone presence in the region. About the Université de Sudbury Founded in 1913, the Université de Sudbury is the first post-secondary institution in Northern Ontario. In 1975, the very first raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag in the province took place there. The institution was officially designated under the French Language Services Act in January 2020. The Université de Sudbury acknowledges that it is located on the lands covered by the Robinson-Huron Treaty and that the lands on which it stands are part of the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishinaabeg and the Wahnapitae First Nation.



CONTACT INFORMATION: For the AFO Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager (613) 878-3026 gselenga@monassemblee.ca For the ACFO du grand Sudbury Joanne Gervais Executive Director (705) 674-5896 ext. 200 jgervais@acfosudbury.ca For the Université de Sudbury Elise Leblanc Executive Assistant to the Rector and Secretary of the Governance Council (705) 673-5661 eleblanc@usudbury.ca

50th Anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian Flag Under the Honorary Patronage of the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Ottawa, March 19, 2025 – The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) congratulates the newly appointed members of Ontario’s Executive Council. In a context marked by economic and social challenges, government stability presents a valuable opportunity to ensure continuity in ongoing initiatives. The AFO welcomes Premier Ford’s call for unity in Ontario. « The Ontario Team is strong because of its bilingualism. Ontario stands out for its linguistic duality, with French being an integral part of its identity and economic vitality. We look forward to working with the government to build a strong Ontario by recognizing the strategic contribution of Francophones to Ontario society. We are ready to collaborate with the government to ensure that this commitment translates into concrete and lasting actions. » said Fabien Hébert, President of the AFO. The AFO also commends the four ministers who chose to take their oath in both French and English: the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, the Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, the Hon. Michael Kerzner, and the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy. This gesture by these cabinet members sends an important message: French is a language of engagement. « I congratulate all the ministers appointed today and am particularly pleased with the reappointment of Caroline Mulroney as Minister of Francophone Affairs. We have always maintained a constructive working relationship, particularly on the modernization of the French Language Services Act. We look forward to continuing this work and ensuring its effective implementation. » added President Fabien Hébert. The AFO looks forward to working with the government to provide concrete support for the growth, development, and vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community. In this spirit, it will continue engaging with key ministers to reiterate the community’s expectations and ensure that its priorities are reflected in upcoming government decisions, particularly in light of the commitments received through the AFO’s pre-election questionnaire. Finally, the AFO wishes to highlight the pride felt by the Franco-Ontarian community in seeing, for the first time, a Franco-Ontarian Lieutenant Governor, Édith Dumont, officiate the swearing-in of the Executive Council alongside the Premier of Ontario. Her role strengthens the representation of Ontario’s Francophonie within the province’s institutions.ert, President of AFO



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Information: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager gselenga@monassemblee.ca Mobile : 613-878-3026

Ford’s New Cabinet : AFO Welcomes Continuity but Urges the Government to Act More Quickly

Ottawa, February 28, 2025 – “On behalf of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) and the 795,760 Francophones it represents, I would like to congratulate Premier Doug Ford on his historic re-election, as well as the 123 other elected representatives who will serve in the Legislative Assembly. This re-election, marking a third consecutive mandate, is a significant moment in Ontario’s political history. The AFO will continue its efforts to ensure that Francophone issues remain at the core of government discussions. Among our community’s priorities are access to French-language healthcare, the development of Francophone postsecondary education – particularly the Université de Sudbury file – addressing the shortage of bilingual labor, strengthening non-profit organizations, and expanding the Francophone presence in Ontario. We also wish to congratulate Marit Stiles, Bonnie Crombie, and Mike Schreiner on their election campaigns. We are pleased to see that Francophonie played a significant role in the electoral debate, particularly through the commitments made in party platforms and the organization of the French-language debate in collaboration with Radio-Canada and Groupe Média TFO. I would like to extend my thanks to all candidates who took part in this election, especially those who took the time to engage with the Francophone community to better understand and discuss the issues affecting us. As several Franco-Ontarians and Francophiles take their seats in the new Legislative Assembly, we encourage all parties to work together to strengthen and advance Francophonie in Ontario. We look forward to working with the government and all elected representatives to advance the key issues that will shape the future of our community ”, said Fabien Hébert, President of AFO



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Information: Grace Selenga Corporate Communications Manager gselenga@monassemblee.ca Mobile : 613-878-3026

Fabien Hébert’s statement on Ontario’s 44th general election

December 8, 2022 (Ottawa) — L’Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) believes that Laurentian University’s most recent appointment of a president who refuses to speak French is one more step towards the abandonment of French at the institution since its financial restructuring process.



Since March 2021, the AFO has supported the transformation of the Université de Sudbury and has called for a reform of Laurentian University’s bilingual mandate so that the French-language university programming in the Near North may be governed “by and for” francophones. For several months now, the AFO has also been asking for the two Sudbury institutions to engage in dialogue and come to an agreement that would allow the institutions to properly meet the needs of the students from within the region and across the province. 



“The appointment of an interim president who does not wish to speak in French is a bold, strategic decision by Laurentian University. The AFO believes that the process of withdrawing from French-language programming began with the institution’s financial restructuring and the abolition of half of its French-language programs,” said AFO President Fabien Hébert. 



Early next year, Laurentian University will begin an organizational review of its French-language programming. 



“The Franco-Ontarian community is clear : Our trust in Laurentian has been broken. The future of French is at the Université de Sudbury. Laurentian must abandon its bilingual mandate and come to an agreement with the Université de Sudbury in order to build the future of postsecondary education in the Near North: a Laurentian strong in its English-language programming and a Université de Sudbury strong in its French-language programming,” added Mr. Hébert.

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Laurentian takes next step in abandoning French with the nomination of a president who avoids speaking the language

Ottawa, September 13, 2022 – In a letter addressed to Ontario’s Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB), Carol Jolin, president of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), reiterated his support for the Université de Sudbury, noting that the Franco-Ontarian community has full confidence in  the institution’s financial, community and academic credibility.  



Last summer, the Université de Sudbury agreed to undergo a review of its institution by the PEQAB, at the invitation of the Minister of Colleges and Universities, the Honourable Jill Dunlop. Funded by the Government of Canada and endorsed by the Ontario government, this organizational review is an important step in the Université of Sudbury’s transformation process.  



Last month, the PEQAB released documentation supplied by the Université de Sudbury for its organizational review. The public has until Sept. 23 to comment on the Franco-Ontarian institution’s file. 



“The University of Sudbury has the strongest financial health of all the universities located in its immediate region. Also, the Université de Sudbury has received government funding twice in recent months, which is proof that our governments have confidence in the financial management of this university,” wrote the AFO president. 



In addition to touting the financial health of the Université de Sudbury, Mr. Jolin made sure to demonstrate the strong community support that exists for the project. He also praised the project for its excellent academic model. 



The PEQAB’s mandate is to conduct an organizational review of the Université de Sudbury. This review will allow the PEQAB to advise the government as to whether or not the institution has the capacity to offer degrees according to Ontario Qualifications Framework.  



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The AFO supports the Université de Sudbury as it  undergoes PEQAB review

Below you will find all press releases and statements issued by AFO. Below you will find all press releases and statements issued by AFO.

Press

Below you will find all press releases and statements issued by AFO.

Five recommendations from the franco-ontarian community for the federal budget

University of Sudbury Officially Recognized and Funded by the Government of Ontario: A Collective Victory

University of Sudbury Officially Recognized and Funded by the Government of Ontario: A Collective Victory

Ford’s New Cabinet : AFO Welcomes Continuity but Urges the Government to Act More Quickly

Political Representation

Community Strategic Plan

Projects