Ontario backtracks on cuts to francophone services
Premier announces commissioner post after public outcry
After days of backlash over its cuts to institutions serving francophones, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government says it’s making changes meant to recognize the “significant and ongoing ” contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community. In a statement issued Friday evening, Premier Doug Ford says his government is creating the position of French-Language Services Commissioner within the provincial ombudsman’s office, and seeking to turn the office of francophone affairs into a ministry, led by Caroline Mulroney. The Tories announced last week they were transferring the commissioner’s mandate to Ontario’s ombudsman and scrapping plans for a stand-alone French-language university. The moves sparked massive outcry from francophones in Ontario and Quebec and were publicly denounced by a member of Ford’s own caucus, Amanda Simard, who represents a largely francophone riding. Both Ford and Mulroney said the cuts were necessary to bring down the province’s deficit, although they did not say how much would be saved. In Friday’s statement, Ford thanked “all the people who reached out” to his office following last week’s announcement and said he looks forward to building a “constructive dialogue” with FrancoOntarians. “They’re fighters. They’re part of the history of Ontario. They continue to work hard for generations to promote and preserve their beautiful culture and language in our province,” he said. The government also said Ford’s office will hire a senior policy adviser on francophone affairs. No changes were announced in regard to the university, but Mulroney was quoted as saying she looks forward to the day when the province is in a “financial position” to proceed with such projects. “I will continue to be a tireless advocate for the University, by and for Francophones, so that when we are in a position to proceed with the build, we will be ready to go,” the statement quotes Mulroney as saying. Carol Jolin, president of the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, said Friday night that the change in tone of the government was a “step in the right direction” but that she was “astonished” that the AFO was once again not consulted and received no news from the Ford government before the announcement. She reiterated that the commissioner should be completely independent. The AFO also won’t give up on the question of the university. In Montreal, city hall raised the Franco- Ontarian flag “in solidarity” with Franco-Ontarians. “All francophones of this country deserve respect and dignity,” Mayor Valérie Plante said on Twitter.