QUEEN’S PARK - On Franco-Ontarian Day, NDP Critic for Francophone Affairs Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk—James Bay) and MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) passionately rose during question period to challenge the Ford Government's lack of funding and commitment to building a fully Francophone university at the University of Sudbury, amplifying the concerns of Franco-Ontarians across the province:
"It is unacceptable for the government to make this decision," said Bourgouin. "Not only was it made without considering the needs and demands of the Franco-Ontarian community in the Middle North, but also with a lack of transparency by refusing to share essential documents leading to the refusal to fund a University by, for and with. We will not give up, Franco-Ontarians deserve and will have a fully francophone University in Sudbury. "
"Ford's Conservatives makes its decisions in secret, without consultation and, above all, without taking into account the reality of Northern Ontarians," added West. "The reality is that Franco-Ontarians in the North want a university for and with Francophones in Sudbury, not four hours from Sudbury." West concluded by asking the government when it would finally fund the University of Sudbury.