It’s important to understand – and a lot of people don’t know this – that a lot has been done for Ontario’s Francophonie in the last four years, more than what the previous government did in the 15 years before.
launches the current mayor of Alfred-Plantagenet and candidate in the June 2 provincial election for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, in an interview on the program Mornings here.
Mr. Sarrazin cites in particular the modernization of the French Language Services Act. A reform eagerly awaited by Franco-Ontarians and which was carried out by the government during its mandate, as promised by the Minister of Francophone Affairs, Caroline Mulroney.
It also recalls the recognition of the Franco-Ontarian flag as the official emblem of the province.
” Minister Mulroney is truly the champion when it comes to advancing the Francophonie and ensuring that we maintain our services in Ontario. »
The disappearance of the post of Independent French Services Commissioner or the twists and turns that surrounded the creation of the University of French Ontario (UOF), the candidate in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell tries to put them into perspective. He explains that Doug Ford’s government inherited a large debt when it came to power and that in the file of theUOFthe announced freeze of the project in November 2018 finally made it possible to obtain substantial aid from the federal government.
We’ve really made progress
he assures. There are a lot of things that people don’t know, but it’s my job to make them known when I go door to door.
Critics against Amanda Simard
According to Mr. Sarrazin, many voters have a poor perception of the accomplishments made for Francophones over the past four years, but also of the role played by everyone in advancing the issue.
Starting with that of her opponent in the next election in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, the Progressive-Conservative defector who became a Liberal in opposition to the treatment of the Francophonie by the government of Doug Ford, Amanda Simard.
If people really consult the minutes of the Legislative Assembly, they will realize that Amanda Simard is perhaps not the person who has advanced the Francophonie the most in Ontario. I’ve been disappointed. At first, as mayor and chairman of the United Counties [de Prescott et Russell], I have often taken part in events, galas for the Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens in particular, where Ms. Simard was not there and where it was I who had to speak to replace the member who was absent . I think people may not have the right time when it comes to Ms. Simard.
Outgoing MP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell and re-election candidate, Amanda Simard (archives)
Photo: Radio-Canada
He invites voters to do the same exercise he says he did and to go through the debates that took place in Queen’s Park to confirm his statements.
” We are here to act. The Liberals spoke, but the Conservatives acted. »
In a riding as francophone as Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, the Francophonie issue could have an impact. And Mr. Sarrazin ensures that if he is elected, it will be one of his priorities.
I am a proud Franco-Ontarian and, as mayor of Alfred Plantagenet, a francophone municipality, I was president of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. We are the most French-speaking region of Ontario, I will continue to work for the Francophonie
he pleads, recounting being working on the creation of a project for a monument of the Francophonie to Alfred.
It is the purpose of the exercise to present myself to represent the Francophones of Ontario
he continues. I am ready to fight. I spoke about it with Minister Mulroney, who was in our region two weeks ago. […] I told him that for me, it’s important to continue to fight for the Francophonie. And I think we’re on the same note with Ms. Mulroney.
For him, the important thing will be to offer the best possible services, while being financially responsible
.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca