University of Regina and University of Ottawa Sign MOU to Expand Access to French-Language Postsecondary Education in Saskatchewan
The University of Regina, through its academic unit La Cité universitaire francophone (La Cité), and the University of Ottawa are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening French-language university education in Saskatchewan. The agreement builds on the historic relationship between the two institutions and marks a major step forward in supporting the Fransaskois community and French-language learners in minority contexts.
The new partnership will explore a range of collaborative efforts, including shared program delivery, administrative support, and academic pathways that increase access and choice for Francophone and Francophile students across Saskatchewan.
“Our university has always been committed to advancing inclusive education. This agreement reflects our values and our responsibility to create opportunities that respond to the legitimate and longstanding aspirations of the Fransaskois population,” emphasizes University of Regina President Jeff Keshen.
The MOU also recognizes La Cité’s unique mandate to serve as the gateway to the Francophonie at the University of Regina and supports its efforts toward autonomous governance grounded in the principle of "by and for" the community.
“This agreement represents a bold and hopeful step for the future of French-language university education in our province,” says Sophie Gaudet, Interim Dean of La Cité universitaire francophone. “It reflects our joint commitment to equity in access and to fostering vibrant, culturally rich, and sustainable Francophone communities in Saskatchewan and beyond.”
The University of Ottawa, Canada’s oldest and largest bilingual postsecondary institution, brings decades of experience and resources in French-language education to this partnership.
“The University of Regina's La Cité universitaire francophone is a natural partner, with whom we share more than a vision—we share a dream for society,” said Jacques Frémont, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. “This ambitious project is rooted in the desire to make university studies in French accessible to all Fransaskois communities and to all learners proficient in French.”
“This agreement is a clear demonstration of what we can accomplish together when we center our work on the needs and realities of Francophone learners in minority settings. We are honoured to be part of this initiative and to support La Cité’s evolution and aspirations,” added Yves Pelletier, Associate Vice-President, Francophonie at the University of Ottawa.
The signing ceremony was held at La Cité on the University of Regina campus and included remarks from both universities’ leadership as well as representatives from government and the Fransaskois community.
CONTACT:
Chidi Igwe
La Cité universitaire francophone
University of Regina
Email: communications.cite@uregina.ca
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About the University of Regina
2024 marked our 50th anniversary as an independent university (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of more than 17,200 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop into career-ready graduates – more than 92,000 alumni enrich communities in Saskatchewan and around the globe. Our research enterprise includes 18 research centres and 9 Canada Research Chairs. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.