CPF Ontario continues to champion access to quality FSL programs!
February 25, 2016 – President Mary Cruden presented to the Liberal Party Caucus de la Francophonie, chaired by MPP Marie-France Lalonde, with regrets from Minister Madeleine Meilleur who was attending a budget meeting.
Mary’s scheduled 20 minute presentation, focused on the State of FSL in Ontario, stretched out to the full lunch hour with interesting Q & A on the program differences, FI growth; meeting the demand for qualified, proficient FSL teachers in the future and the lack of a formal agreement between Ontario and Quebec to stimulate educational exchanges for students and teachers.
Our CPF Ontario Chapters will be pleased to know that Mary was able to bring forward key issues in several school board jurisdictions, in particular the barriers to access to quality FSL programs: Capping in Peel (400 students turned away to date) with recommendations for the same in Halton and Upper Grand, Grand Erie; Avon Maitlin DSB’s refusal to open up a new FI program in spite of 20 parents coming together to confirm their commitment.
Other highlights:
Mary introduced the members of the caucus to the new Ministry document “Including Students for Special needs in FSL “ as well as her work on the TDSB FSLAC in getting EFI programs started in schools in two marginalized neighbourhoods.