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University of Ottawa strengthens commitment to Francophones by requesting designation under French services law
OTTAWA, July 19, 2012 — The University of Ottawa is proud to announce that it has delivered a formal request to the Ontario government and to the Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, minister responsible for Francophone affairs, for designation as an organization providing French language services under article 8 of the French Language Services Act.
The University’s Board of Governors and Senate passed a resolution seeking to receive designation of undergraduate programs offered in French as well as services offered to students by the administration and by the faculties.
“The University’s mission has always been to promote Francophone culture. It’s in our DNA!” explains President Allan Rock, referring to the 1965 University of Ottawa Act. “Furthermore, the francophonie and bilingualism is one of the four pillars of our Destination 20/20 strategic plan. Today, with this request for designation, the University shows once again that it is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the interests of the Franco-Ontarian community.”
The resolution was passed by the Senate and the Board of Governors after extensive discussion and consultation with members of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Francophone Affairs and Official Languages, French Language Services Commissioner François Boileau, the Office of Francophone Affairs and Madeleine Meilleur’s office.
The University is a bilingual institution. It is therefore important to emphasize that this designation of the University will not affect in any way programs and services offered in English.
About the University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world, where it is possible for students to study in English, in French, or in both languages. Located in the capital of Canada, a G8 nation, we have ready access to the great institutions of our country. Our breakthroughs in health, science, social sciences and the humanities attract global attention, reflecting our ranking among Canada's top 10 research universities and our ongoing drive to discover.
