The Ontario government is investing $10.8 million to re-launch French-language courses at the University of Sudbury, in partnership with the University of Ottawa. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, this investment will expand access to high-quality French-language postsecondary education in Northern Ontario, helping more Francophone students acquire the skills they need for good-paying, in-demand jobs and meet the needs of Ontario's workforce.
"Our province's Francophone communities play a critical role in strengthening our highly skilled workforce and we're ensuring students have access to the education and training they need for rewarding careers," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through this investment, our government is building a robust bilingual workforce to support a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant Northern Ontario."
Beginning in September 2025, the University of Sudbury will offer programs in health sciences, management and commerce, social sciences, and arts in partnership with the University of Ottawa at its campus in Sudbury.
"This historic investment reflects our government's commitment to strengthening access to French-language postsecondary education, especially in Northern Ontario," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. "Because of this partnership, we are delivering on our promise to bolster Ontario's Francophonie as a social, cultural and economic engine for years to come."
In order to build the world-class workforce Ontario needs to support one of the most competitive economies in the G7, the Ontario government is making strategic investments in Ontario's small, Northern and rural colleges and universities so they can deliver high-quality education that equips students with the skills they need to launch rewarding careers and drive the province's economy.
Quick Facts
- Ontario's French-language postsecondary system is the largest in Canada outside of Quebec, with nine institutions serving more than 33,200 students in the delivery of high-quality French and bilingual programs.
- For 2024-25, Ontario invested $831 million into French-language and bilingual institutions, including $132 million in special purpose grants to support access to and quality of French-language postsecondary education.
- Since 2018, the Ontario government has created two standalone Francophone post-secondary institutions, the Université de l'Ontario français (UOF) and the Université de Hearst, a historic first for Ontario.
Quotes
"The Université de Sudbury enthusiastically welcomes the Ontario government's confirmation of funding to support the relaunch of its academic programs starting in September 2025. Through an innovative partnership with the University of Ottawa which expands choices for Francophone and Francophile students in Northeastern Ontario, the province's two oldest French-language institutions of higher learning are demonstrating the power of collaboration to enhance access to quality university programs. Today marks the realization of a century-old dream and stands as a testament to the determination of our entire community - families, leaders, partners, and builders who believed in this project. Together, we are shaping the future of a new generation of Francophone and Francophile leaders in the North."
- Dr. Serge Miville, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Sudbury
"Today marks another milestone in the history of Ontario's Francophonie. Thanks to this innovative partnership with the University of Sudbury - of which I am particularly proud - Francophone communities in northeastern Ontario will now have access to a greater number of high-quality university programs in French that are aligned with the needs of the labour market in this region of the province. In this way, the University of Ottawa is reaffirming its commitment to supporting promising partnerships that will expand the range of French-language university education and better serve Francophone communities across Ontario."
- Marie-Eve Sylvestre, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ottawa
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