Ontario Liberals made promises they couldn’t keep to francophones

There have been many concerns expressed within the FrancoOntarian community following our government’s Fall Economic Statement presented last Thursday. While certain choices were difficult and heartbreaking to make, they reflect the duties and responsibilities that accompany the mandate we were given by the people of Ontario.

We were elected to manage the finances of our province in order to protect vital services like health care and education while putting Ontario back on the path to prosperity.

It was only after receiving the Report of the Independent Financial Commission of Inquiry that we learned the magnitude of the deficit left by the previous Liberal government. The report revealed a deficit of $15 billion and a debt of over $320 billion weighing on future generations and our current ability to deliver frontline services. This Liberal deficit and debt creates a real risk for the service delivery upon which 1.5 million Ontarians who speak French depend. This mismanagement by the Liberals has jeopardized such services as hospitals, education, our roads and other services that are essential for francophones in their communities.

Unfortunately, the previous government made promises to francophones that it knew it would be impossible to deliver due to its own reckless spending. The proposed model for a new French-language university was unsustainable and did not meet the demand for a skilled workforce in the areas that needed it — the need for francophone nurses, teachers, lawyers and others. I want to thank the governing council for their hard work on this proposal — unfortunately, the government simply cannot afford it.

However, our government is committed to supporting and improving existing French-language post-secondary education programs to meet the needs of Francophone students and Ontario’s business community in a changing labour market.

There are currently 10 post-secondary institutions, including the University of Ottawa, Laurentian University, Collège Boréal, La Cité and Glendon College at York University, offering more than 300 French-language programs in Ontario. We will work with them to ensure that the needs of students who wish to study in French are well served.

With respect to the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner, the protection of the rights of Francophones in Ontario will continue to be delivered independently under the leadership of Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé. It is important to note that monitoring mechanisms will not be lost with these changes. In fact, they will be strengthened. The transfer of roles and responsibilities aims to find the most effective way to deliver the highest level of services. Francophones and francophiles in Ontario will be well served by the Ombudsman and the proposed legislation that allows for him to designate a Deputy Ombudsman, French Language Services.

I remain dedicated as the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs to find the best ways to deliver and protect frontline services to francophones in Ontario while respecting taxpayers’ money.