Partner Profile: Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens

We recently had the pleasure of meeting with Emile Maheu, Government and Community Relations Manager at Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), one of OLIP’s new programme partners.

AEFO is a union representing the interests of teachers and staff of French-speaking elementary and secondary schools and establishments in Ontario, including both Catholic and public schools. AEFO defends and promotes the professional and economic interests of about 13,000 of its members while advancing the growth of the Francophone community through its social leadership.

In our meeting, we learned about the challenges faced by French-speaking teachers in Ontario as well as issues related to accessing francophone education and other public services. We discussed how the financial crisis of Laurentian University and the subsequent elimination of French-language programs from the institution highlighted the uncertainties surrounding French education in Ontario. With Francophone Ontarians living across the provinces, AEFO plays a leading role in advocating for policies and initiatives to support the Franco-Ontarian community through equitable education, services, and opportunities.

Thank you Mr. Maheu and AEFO for your support of the programme and for the engaging discussion!