A long-running francization program at Cégep de Saint-Laurent in Montreal is set to shut down within days, prompting sharp criticism from the CSN, which calls the move a major setback for immigrant integration.
The union says about 15 positions will be lost, including instructors and professional staff, as the program, in place for roughly two decades, comes to an abrupt end.
“The Cégep de Saint-Laurent has to deal with a closed pavilion because it is too dilapidated. Several years of government underinvestment in infrastructure maintenance are directly to blame,” said Benoit Lacoursière, president of the Fédération nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Québec-CSN, which represents the vast majority of CEGEP teachers, including francization animators. “And who pays for the consequences of this underfunding? A weakened population and half a dozen animators committed to an essential social mission.”
The closure appears at odds with the Quebec government’s stated goal of protecting the French language and supporting newcomers. The CAQ has previously emphasized reducing immigration levels while improving integration, a message the CSN argues is undermined by the program’s elimination.
“This government’s poor budgetary choices even extend to areas it considers to be priorities, such as francization,” said Jessica Goldschleger, president of the Fédération des professionnèles-CSN. Its refusal to invest enough in our CEGEPs to maintain the facilities or to move activities to premises in better condition is now leading to the end of the francization program and the loss of professional positions.”
The union also points to broader infrastructure issues within the cégep network, saying a lack of usable space contributed to the decision to scrap the courses at Saint-Laurent.
Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge said this week the government has regained control over francization waiting lists, partly due to lower immigration levels. But the CSN says the reality on the ground tells a different story, with classes being cut, workers losing jobs and newcomers facing new barriers to learning French and integrating into Quebec society.
