McGuinty Government Expanding French-Language Programs In Postsecondary Education

    Investment Supports Ontario's Vitality And Economic Well-Being

    TORONTO, Feb. 19 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is giving
French-speaking students more tools to succeed by expanding French-language
postsecondary programs, Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Chris
Bentley announced today at Glendon College.
    "Ontario's 16,700 francophone postsecondary students - plus those
considering studies in French - can now access greater opportunity thanks to
expanded, high quality French-language programming," said Bentley.
    The McGuinty government's new $7.5 million investment in 2006-07 will
support new courses, enhance teaching tools and highlight francophone culture
at Ontario's French-language colleges and bilingual universities. This
includes $4 million as part of the government's Access to Opportunities
strategy to promote French-language college collaboration and broaden program
offerings.
    "The value of a strong education, especially one that is available in a
student's first language, cannot be underestimated," said Madeline Meilleur,
Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. "This investment will provide
more opportunities for francophone students to strive for and achieve
excellence."
    "Francophone students of all ages deserve a supportive learning
environment that allows them to learn, grow and succeed in their own
language," said Education Minister and MPP for Don Valley West Kathleen Wynne.
"By investing in French-language education in Toronto, we are also
strengthening the city's heritage, diversity and cultural identity."
    Glendon College will receive approximately $740,000 from the new
investments announced today, building upon the almost $500,000 in McGuinty
government funding already announced for 2006-07. This will enable Glendon
College to enhance and expand French-language programs, courses and cultural
activities for its 2,200 students.
    "The rich tradition of French-language education at Glendon College is
based on its quality of programming, its highly-regarded faculty and a genuine
commitment to promoting higher learning for French-speaking students," said
Dr. Lorna Marsden, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University. "We are
grateful for the government's financial support as well as its recognition of
York as a unique contributor in the area of French-language study."

    Disponible en françaiswww.edu.gov.on.ca
                         www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca



    Backgrounder
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                   EXPANDING FRENCH-LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FOR
                     FRANCOPHONE POSTSECONDARY STUDENTSAs the province with the largest francophone community outside Quebec,
Ontario has more than 100,000 French-language learners at all levels of
education. In 2005-06, 16,700 students were enrolled in French-language
postsecondary education, with more than 12,300 in the province's six bilingual
universities and close to 4,400 in the two French-language colleges.
Currently, there are about 100 different French-language programs at colleges
and 150 at universities.
    In 2006-07, the Ontario government is providing over $12.2 million in
additional support to create new programs and courses, expand student
participation and enhance the quality of French-language postsecondary
programs. This includes the $7.5 million announced today and $4.7 million
announced in June 2006.
    Approximately $4 million of the additional 2006-07 funding is part of the
government's Access to Opportunities strategy to support francophone
postsecondary students. Through the Access to Opportunities strategy, the
government is investing a total of $15 million in 2006-07 - rising to
$55 million in 2009-10 - to help postsecondary institutions deliver programs
that improve access for francophones, Aboriginal peoples, persons with
disabilities and those who would be the first in their families to attend
college or university.
    The Ontario government also established an Advisory Committee on
French-language Postsecondary Education in January 2006. This committee
provides ongoing advice to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
on how to improve the participation and success of francophone students in
French-language postsecondary education.Providing more access to quality French-language education for francophone
students is the latest way the McGuinty government is working to provide
opportunity for Ontario's students. Under the Reaching Higher Plan, the
government has achieved results:
    -   Funding 86,000 more student spaces compared to four years ago, a
        22 percent increase;
    -   Doubling investment in student aid by 2009-10 to help more families
        with the cost of higher education - including three times as many
        student grants, benefiting 120,000 students this year;
    -   Investing 21 per cent more in colleges and universities since 2004-05
        - about $700 million more per year for more faculty, staff, student
        services and equipment.

    Disponible en français

                              www.edu.gov.on.ca

For further information: Sheamus Murphy, Minister's Office, (416)
325-7215; Tanya Blazina, Communications Branch, [phone]; Public
Inquiries: [phone] or 1-800-387-5514; TTY: 1-800-263-2892