TORONTO, ON – Doug Ford’s decision to eliminate the office of the French Language Services Commissioner and Ontario’s planned Francophone University represent an attack on the rights of Franco-Ontarians, says CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn.
“These services and protections are how French language rights are realized in our province. This decision by Ford’s government is outrageous to not only the over 600,000 Franco-Ontarians who deserve the respect of our government, but to all Ontarians and Canadians who value language diversity,” said Hahn.
Critics have blasted Ford for breaking his campaign promise to build the French Language University, slated for opening in 2020.
“What’s clear is that the Ford government is using the disguise of fiscal-restraint to try and pit communities against one-another,” said Janice Folk-Dawson, Chair of CUPE Ontario’s University Workers Coordinating Committee. “We’ve seen this bully-tactic used before, and now more than ever, all university workers must work together to oppose these cuts.”
The fall economic statement, announced on November 15, also eliminated the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, while giving generous tax-cuts to corporations and the provinces wealthiest.
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CUPE Ontario is the political wing of the Canadian Union of Public Employees – Canada’s largest union – in the country’s largest province.
With more than 260,000 members, CUPE Ontario is a strong voice for rights and fairness for our members and our communities. We work at the provincial level for legislative, policy and political change on issues affecting public services, equality, healthy communities and a better Ontario for everyone.
For more information, contact:
Ravi Joshi, CUPE Communications Representative, 647-833-5836
RJ:gb/cope491
