There will be an investigation into the recent cuts to French-language programs at Laurentian University, French Language Services Commissioner Kelly Burke has announced.
In early May, the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman asked people to submit complaints if they believed their right to French Language services was infringed on with the elimination of several programs and positions from Laurentian University and the former-federated universities, most notably, the University of Sudbury.
“We have received about 60 complaints which raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the process that led to these program reductions,” the Commissioner said in a release.
“Many Franco-Ontarian students and others in the community have told us this situation profoundly affects their ability to be educated and work in French.”
The Commissioner initiated the investigation to determine three issues regarding the university’s cuts to French-language programs:
- Whether Laurentian University upheld its obligations as a partially designated agency under the French Language Services Act (FLSA) during its restructuring process;
- Whether the Ministry of Colleges and Universities fulfilled its obligations under the FLSA during Laurentian University’s restructuring process;
- And whether the Ministry of Francophone Affairs fulfilled its role of administering the FLSA during Laurentian University’s restructuring process.
“I have officially notified the ministries and the president of Laurentian University of our investigation,” Burke said.
The French Languages Services Commissioner also indicated that Investigators will speak with officials at Laurentian and both ministries as well as complainants, and will review pertinent documentation.
In May, Sudbury.com spoke with Canada Research Chair on Francophone rights and linguistic issues François Larocque. He noted at the time that Laurentian University could face consequences from the Ontario Ombudsman under the French Language Services Act for its recent massive cuts to its programs, which included more than two dozen French-language programs as French language services are constitutionally protected.
Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman said they received more than 20 complaints about cuts to English programs at Laurentian and other matters related to its restructuring. These complaints are under review.
As part of the release, the office of the French language Services Commissioner encourages anyone who has information relevant to this investigation, or who wishes to file a complaint, to contact the office online, to email [email protected], or to phone 1-866-246-5262.
“Although there is no set timeline for this investigation, it will be completed as quickly as possible,” said the office.
