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