French community to march on MPP’s office
Francophones from across Niagara will march on Niagara West PC MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s office Saturday, protesting recent cuts by Premier Doug Ford and his government.
It’s one of 40 marches coordinated by The Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO) being held across Ontario at Conservative MPP offices.
Bonjour Niagara’s Susan Morin said while she didn’t know how many people would be attending the march in Beamsville, it could range between 50 and 150, or more.
“I don’t know what to expect.”
Morin said there are about 15,000 francophones in Niagara and 55,000 residents that are bilingual.
The plan for the march came about after an economic review the provincial government released in mid-November that saw French-language services commissioner Francois Boileau’s position eliminated and plans for a southern Ontario francophone university scrapped. Boileau’s position would be moved into the Ombudsman’s Office.
“We’re hearing from people that this is very important to them and we will not back down. They just can’t cut French services willy-nilly.”
She said francophones want to be part of the solution, want to be part of the conversation and explain their value in the province.
Anyone can take part in the peaceful demonstration and can register on AFO’s website at monassemblee.ca/en/joignez-vous-a-la-resistance/.
The march leaves the Shoppers Drug Mart at the corner of Serena Drive and Ontario Street in Beamsville at 1:20 p.m. and heads south to King Street and then east to Oosterhoff’s office at 4961 King St. The demonstration finishes about 2:45 p.m.