Marit Stiles stands in solidarity with Boréal’s OPSEU/SEFPO workers at picket line

SUDBURY – Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles was joined on the picket lines by Sudbury MPP Jamie West, NDP Critic for Francophone Affairs France Gélinas, and OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick to stand in solidarity with Collège Boréal’s OPSEU/SEFPO workers as they unite during this historic commemoration of Franco-Ontarian heritage:

“Thirty years ago, Collège Boréal opened its doors and has since become a cornerstone of Franco-Ontarian success.” said Stiles. “Collège Boréal would not exist without its workers. Every success story, every achievement, and every thriving community it has supported is built by their hard work and dedication. That’s why we’re here today, standing shoulder to shoulder with OPSEU/SEFPO members, fighting for respect, fairness, and dignity. The Ontario NDP will always stand with workers.”

“Collège Boréal has always been about more than an institution;” said West. “It’s about the people who make it thrive. The staff, the educators, the support workers are the driving force behind its success and the backbone of the Franco-Ontarian community. Let us be clear; we do want to celebrate with l’ACFO and Collège Boréal, but we must bring attention to the fact that Ford’s underfunding and massive cuts to colleges and universities have led to layoffs and course closures across Ontario. The NDP never crosses a picket line. On this historic anniversary, we honour not just a flag, not just a college, but the workers on the front lines, fighting for fairness, respect, and recognition.”

“Collège Boréal was created under an NDP government to protect and advance Franco-Ontarian education and heritage.” said Gélinas. “But institutions are only as strong as the people who make them live and breathe — and Boréal’s success is thanks to its workers. The teachers, staff, and support workers are the backbone of this college and of the Franco-Ontarian community. We are here today because of the same values of solidarity, resilience, and equity that the Franco-Ontarian flag represents. I am proud to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Boreal’s OPSEU/SEFPO workers in this historic moment to mark such an important day in Franco-Ontarian heritage.”

President of OPSEU/SEFPO JP Hornick also commented: “If the chronic underfunding of Ontario’s colleges isn’t addressed, we will continue to see program cuts, layoffs and a decline in student supports. Full-time college support workers across Ontario are fighting against these cuts and for the future of student support and public education in Ontario. This fight is critically important for Northern communities, where losing educational opportunities, especially for Francophone learners, will have devastating and lasting effects. Institutions like College Boreal that provide education in the language of choice for Franco-Ontarians must be protected – and so must the staff who support them.”