by Lexey Burns, Editor-in-Chief
The University of Sudbury has partnered with the Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) in hopes to create a university “that is “by, for and with” Francophones.”
In a press release, the University of Sudbury said, “Having long served Francophone and Indigenous communities, the University of Sudbury is concerned about the future of programming to students from these communities in light of the financial situation at Laurentian University.”
The University of Sudbury has its roots in the Francophone community and is prepared to meet with Indigenous communities “to share our other charter to have a university that is by, for and with the Indigenous community,” the press release said.
John Meehan, President, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sudbury declined an interview but spoke at the Laurentian University’s Senate meeting in March.
“We have to know our history to know who we are and to know where we’re going. And our history of the federation is connected to our communities, Indigenous, Francophone, Anglophone, and many other communities,” Meehan said.
“What communities are telling me, Francophone communities, Indigenous communities, and others that they don’t feel a part of this process.”
Meehan is a part of the CCAA negotiations, which prevented him from fully speaking on the matter due to confidentiality agreements.
“We’re worried about the future of Laurentian University and Laurentian federation. We’re worried about the cuts that are coming… to personnel, to programs and we know some of these cuts are necessary given the state of finances at Laurentian University.”
Robert Haché, president of Laurentian said in the Senate meeting “I don’t think there should be any nervousness from any student in terms of the direction that has been expressed by the University of Sudbury.”
“Students in the programs of the University of Sudbury are Laurentian students, be they francophone programs, be they anglophone programs, and the university will be there to support them going forward.”
If students have any questions or concerns, they can reach Marianne Denis-Séguin, the Communications Officer for University of Sudbury at mdenis3@usudbury.ca.