Ontario to Create Province’s First French-Language University

Ontario is proposing to create a new French-language university, the first of its kind in the province, giving French-speaking students more opportunities to study in French.  “This is a tremendous step forward in the creation of the first standalone French-language university in Ontario, governed by and for Francophones.  Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development said.

In consultation with the francophone community, the French-language University Planning Board has provided recommendations to the government for the creation of a French-language university in Central and Southwestern Ontario, governed by and for Francophones. After careful review, Ontario will be accepting key recommendations of the report and intends to introduce legislation for the creation of the proposed university in the coming months

Ontario is home to 611,500 Francophones.  430,000 people speak French in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  Reports indicate the campus will be located in downtown Toronto.