The University of Ottawa stands in solidarity with Laurentian University
The University of Ottawa stands in solidarity with Laurentian University, whose mission and existence are threatened as it files for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. Once again, we confirm our commitment to the Franco-Ontarian community and we offer its members our unwavering support.
The events of the past few months are unprecedented and very concerning: never before has a state-sponsored university in Ontario found itself facing insolvency and requiring a court-mediated restructuring process. We worry about the effects of this restructuring on the students who have chosen Laurentian University, and on the teaching and support staff of this institution.
Laurentian University plays an extremely important role in ensuring the vitality and progress of Franco-Ontarian communities. The situation that has recently come to light will have a major impact on access to post-secondary education in French in Northern Ontario and will prevent the education sector from actively contributing to the development and outreach of these communities.
Today we call on the provincial and federal governments to review and increase the funding allocated to Francophone or bilingual universities in minority settings in order to prevent such a situation from once again threatening post-secondary education in French across Canada.
The University of Ottawa stands with Laurentian University in supporting Ontario’s Francophones.
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