Who will save Collège des Grands Lacs?
We will -- The staff, students and the francophone community
What’s happening?
Last month, in an illegal process, the administration tried to close Collège des Grands Lacs (CGL). No member of the student body, the francophone community or the union was able to participate in this decision. It was done behind closed doors in the most undemocratic way imaginable. The Conservative government
supported this decision, despite the fact that it violated not only the collective agreement with the staff, but also Ontario laws and the Canadian constitution.
The Union, supported by the students and the community, vigorously opposed the closing of CGL, challenging this decision in court. On Oct. 25, a judge ordered the college to stay open and said that all students had the right to return to their classes and to receive the instruction for which they registered.
We believe in our college. We believe in the need for a postsecondary French institution in the centre south west of the province managed by people from our communities.
The administration maintains there is not enough demand to offer the necessary services to the students. We say that the potential is there and we must act together to wake up the demand in our community.
- Less than a third of the $6 million budget is allotted to education - What are the other millions spent on?
- What happened to the recent RCMP inquiry into the CGL administration? Where is the RCMP’s report? What does it say?
- Why has the number of students gone down so drastically since the new administration took over? What has happened to the recruiting budget? What good has it done?
- Why is the administration now spending so much money and energy to convince the students to leave in the middle of their session? Why don’t they use this money and this energy to improve student services?
The administration recently sent a letter to all students, against the spirit of the court agreement, to convince the students that CGL will be closing. At the same time, the college has accused the staff of harassment and intimidation of the students. These charges are false, unproven and unwarranted. The college has a
great future, and we need your support.
What can we do?
- Send a letter of support to your MPP.
- Send a letter to the editor of your newspaper.
- Talk about the situation with your friends and neighbours.
Support the students, the staff, the NDP, and others who have joined in our struggle. Together we will win.
A message from the staff of Collège des Grands Lacs.
Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Local 272.
Download this document .pdf 
Press Releases:
October 25, 2001 Victory for Union: College to stay open
October 19, 2001 OPSEU asks for a court injunction to keep Collège des Grands Lacs open
October 5, 2001 Closing of Collège des Grands Lacs should be stopped
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