Ontario Increases Access to French Language Post-Secondary Education
Ontario’s Action Plan for French-language Post-secondary Education will increase access to French-language post-secondary education and services in central and southwestern Ontario.
In an effort to give post-secondary students more chances to study in French and prepare for future jobs, the plan will provide a total of $16.5 million to help post-secondary institutions expand their French-language programs. Some expansions are already underway at York University’s Glendon College, Collège Boréal and La Cité collégiale in the Greater Toronto Area. A review of Glendon College’s capacity to deliver even more French-language programs is expected soon.
“York University is proud to partner with the Ontario government in expanding and enhancing programs and services to support French and bilingual education in the province,” said York University president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri in a statement. “We appreciate the Ministry’s expression of confidence in supporting curricular development at Glendon College, which ensures we are well-positioned to continue educating Canada’s future leaders.”
The plan also allows all francophone institutions to be eligible for funding to deliver French-language programs in central and southwestern Ontario with a partner college or university located in the areas. An advisory body on French-language education will also be established.
Madeleine Meilleur, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, said, “The action plan will create more options for francophone students, apprentices and other learners, and increase the vitality of Ontario’s French-language postsecondary education and training network.”
The action plan will encourage partnerships among bilingual postsecondary institutions and employment and training services organizations to further increase French-language programs.
“Working with our education partners, we want to ensure that all our youth have access to the same opportunities,” said minister of training, colleges and universities Brad Duguid. “Helping francophone students succeed in their own language means greater access to the training and education needed to land good jobs, diversify our workforce, and create a stronger economy.”
Ontario is home to more than 600,000 francophones, the second largest francophone population outside of Quebec. One-third of of francophones live in the central and southwestern portions of Ontario, a number that’s expected to grow significantly by 2020.
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