Ontario NDP leader makes stop in Sudbury at LU
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath was at Laurentian University on Wednesday.
Horwath held a press conference criticizing the Ford government for inaction on the crisis at Laurentian and calling for a provincial action plan to save and stabilize the university.
"The idea that this government has simply walked away and ignored the crisis where literally hundreds of jobs – well-paying jobs -- have been lost," she said. "Where students have been put into a scramble, where really important areas of study have been completely shut down."
Horwath was joined by two local MPPs.
"The commitment to begin is to show up. The previous minister of colleges and universities didn't show up at all. The new one hasn't shown up, Doug Ford hasn't shown up," said Sudbury MPP Jamie West.
The NDP said the insolvency process isn't something universities belong in and would like the province to step in to stabilize the crisis.
On another issue, the NDP said it's committed to supporting the University of Sudbury to become a French-only institution.
"This is why the University of Sudbury needs to be done," said Guy Bourgouin, NDP Francophone issues critic.
"It's to stop assimilating, address the Francophone needs and address the needs of the Francophone community throughout the North and Ontario."
Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas said Francophones want another French university.
"This is something that Francophones in Sudbury have asked for for over 60 years. So the crisis at Laurentian has provided the opportunity to move forward with this," said Gelinas.
CTV reached out to the Ministry of College and Universities.
It released this statement:
"Since Day 1, our focus has always been on ensuring that current Laurentian University students can continue their studies without interruption and that there will be a long-term sustainable solution to providing post-secondary education in Sudbury."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.