The memorandum of understanding signed on May 8, 2026 is the result of a continued effort to offer programs taught in French that are better suited to learners’ needs as well as to the changing labour market in the GTA and elsewhere in Ontario. The MOU also aims to strengthen research undertaken in French in Ontario, facilitate student mobility between the two universities, and support the growth of Francophone communities.
“As a bilingual, research-oriented university located in the heart of Canada’s capital, with a portfolio of 350 programs, the University of Ottawa feels called upon to collaborate with its partners to expand the scope of educational programs offered in French in Ontario and elsewhere in the country,” said University of Ottawa President and Vice-Chancellor Marie-Eve Sylvestre. “We’re proud to join with the Université de l’Ontario français to offer Francophones in the GTA the opportunity to pursue studies that match their goals, in their language, and thus contribute to the growth of the Francophonie in Ontario.”
For his part Université de l'Ontario français President and Vice-Chancellor Normand Labrie said that “this MOU has a common goal, which is to improve access to university education in French that reflects the requirements of the modern world and fulfills the needs of the community. By combining our areas of expertise and creating longstanding bridging mechanisms between l’Université de l’Ontario français and the University of Ottawa, we promote student mobility, encourage research conducted in French, and foster innovation to create a future based on excellence in which knowledge created in French fully contributes to solving the major issues of our time and to meeting the goals of Francophones in Ontario.”
Strengthening academic teaching and research in French
With this MOU, the University of Ottawa and the Université de l’Ontario français commit to pooling their expertise to explore practical ways of boosting high-quality teaching and research in French, particularly in the fields of management, law and education.
Student mobility to serve Francophones
The MOU also calls on the parties to look for ways to encourage student mobility between Ottawa and Toronto, including academic bridging options, integrated pathways and credit recognition mechanisms. This increased student mobility creates conditions favourable to joint initiatives and greater sharing of expertise.
More broadly, this collaboration will help strengthen the Francophone community in Ontario. By providing more academic pathways in French and supporting their development, the MOU fosters the linguistic, cultural, social and economic well-being of Francophone communities and supports their ability to thrive.
“This type of partnership between Francophone institutions is vital to help overcome the geographic factors that separate Francophone communities,” says Yves Pelletier, associate vice-president, Francophonie. “The partnership complements those we have signed with Anglophone universities in Ontario and Western Canada that aim to teach Francophones in French in their own communities. The University and its faculties look forward to seeing structural changes put in place to make the most of this partnership and the diversity of our expertise.”
“At l’Université de l’Ontario français, we choose an active Francophonie, rooted in the world of today and reflecting the goals of the next generation,” said Isabelle Dostaler, who is vice-president of academics and research at l’Université de l’Ontario français. She continued on to say that “the partnerships we are forging with Francophone school boards and community organizations across Ontario are helping to build a genuine continuum of education in French, from student recruitment to university studies and research. This MOU with the University of Ottawa strengthens these efforts and opens up new opportunities for mobility, learning and innovation for Francophone students.”
The University of Ottawa: a major partner in teaching and research in French
Proud of its Franco-Ontarian roots and historical ties to Quebec and all communities across Canada, the University of Ottawa is a major national university for all Francophones. As a member of the U15 group of research-intensive universities, uOttawa plays a key role in developing higher education in French, based on an outstanding ecosystem in the heart of Canada’s capital. The University of Ottawa plays a fundamental role in teaching, research and innovation in French, offering over 350 programs in French in all disciplines. It is home to over 18,000 students enrolled in programs taught in French or through French immersion. This partnership with the Université de l’Ontario français continues this work and reaffirms our leadership in serving Francophones in Ontario and across Canada.
The Université de l’Ontario français proudly serves the Francophonie
One of six public universities in the GTA, the Université de l’Ontario français (UOF) operates entirely in French. Its academic programs, namely in education, management, communications, mental health, social justice and environmental studies, are designed to meet the practical needs of today’s job market. Thanks to a teaching approach that is based on experience and innovation, the UOF is training a new generation of engaged leaders who are open to the world. As a proudly Francophone institution, the UOF actively fosters the cultural, social and economic vitality of Francophones in Ontario and across Canada.
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