March 30th, 2026 | 1-minute read

Laurentian University fulfills recommendations of the French Language Services Commissioner

(March 30, 2026) – Laurentian University is proud to announce that it has received official confirmation from the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario indicating that it has fully implemented the recommendations stemming from the March 2022 report entitled "Strengthening the Designation: A Collaborative Effort."

In a letter addressed to President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells, the French Language Services Commissioner, Carl Bouchard, confirmed that the measures taken by the University now fulfill the three recommendations (3, 13 and 16).

Since the publication of the initial report, the University has maintained close collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, submitting progress reports every six months. This has made it possible to achieve the objectives set to ensure the sustainability of French-language services within the institution.

To meet the Commissioner's requirements, Laurentian University has taken crucial steps, notably:

The University has revised its policy and implemented a process to ensure consultation with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Research Excellence and Security, and the Ministry of Francophone Affairs before making any change likely to affect the University's designation.
The University has developed a rigorous compliance plan, in accordance with its designation under the French Language Services Act.

Laurentian University would like to thank the Office of the Ombudsman for its assessment, and reaffirms its deep commitment to the Francophone community and meeting its language requirements.