On June 19, at “The Quay” in Toronto, the Francophone postsecondary community, industry, researchers and sector partners came together for eCampusOntario’s 4th Franco-Ontarian Forum to reflect on the future of skills, partnerships and the labour market in Ontario. Here is a look back at the main takeaways from this fourth edition of the Franco-Ontarian Forum.
Focused on the theme, “Labour Market Alignment, Skills and Partnerships”, the day of discussion explored an essential question for the future of Francophone postsecondary education: how can learners be better prepared for the realities of a constantly evolving labour market?
For those who were unable to attend the Forum, or who would like to revisit certain presentations, all recordings are now available online.
Watch the Forum recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVGu-51KG5xM
A shared vision for the future of Ontario’s Francophonie
In her opening remarks, Cécile Figuière, Interim Manager, Programs, Technology and Open Access at eCampusOntario, emphasized the importance of designing inclusion from the outset and recognizing bilingualism as a true driver of economic and social development.
She also announced a new collaboration between the Camerise Communities and eCampusOntario, which now makes more than 90 French-language open educational resources available in the Open Library.
The keynote address by Solange Strom, Board President of the Alliance Française de Toronto and Country Manager of La Rosée Cosmétiques Canada, then highlighted the value of bilingualism in an entrepreneurial context and the importance of transferable skills such as communication, collaboration and curiosity.
Watch the video of this session here: https://youtu.be/8x5bUpqPv1A
Supporting a stronger transition from education to employment
The first panel brought together representatives from the work-integrated learning sector and the manufacturing industry to discuss challenges related to recruitment and workforce development.
The discussion underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between postsecondary institutions and employers, and the value of creating more opportunities for experiential learning in French to support learner success and respond to labour market needs.
Watch the video of this session here: https://youtu.be/GCXCLA75-Yg?si=vSTo7gEj0ProITlJ
Artificial intelligence, research and the vitality of Francophone communities
The second panel explored the impact of artificial intelligence on Francophone communities in minority settings.
The conversation focused on issues related to the representation of French in AI systems, access to Francophone tools and resources, and the need to develop approaches that support digital and cultural sovereignty.
The two speakers and the moderator also emphasized the importance of supporting innovation and research to ensure a strong Francophone presence in emerging digital environments.
Watch the video of this session here: https://youtu.be/aURZ94ODzL4?si=R8d71_joALkv3KN4
Developing talent for strategic sectors
The third panel focused on the current and future needs of priority sectors for the Canadian economy, including defence, emerging technologies and specialized industries.
Panelists emphasized the need to develop sustainable collaborations between postsecondary institutions, governments and employers in order to prepare a skilled workforce capable of responding to labour market transformation.
In this context, eCampusOntario also presented initiatives designed to support skills development and cross-sector collaboration, including the Dual Use Readiness Assessment (DURA). To learn more, visit: defence.ocip.ai | Dual-use research and innovation in Canada.
Watch the video of this session here: https://youtu.be/DxT_NtQID08?si=szGIwuOIRNxaXRrl
Building on collaboration to develop tomorrow’s talent
In his closing keynote, Vincent Caron, Vice President, Policy at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the important contribution of Francophone communities to Ontario’s economy and the need to collectively invest in the skills of tomorrow.
To close the day, Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario, reaffirmed the importance of stronger alignment between academic programs, employer needs and the aspirations of Francophone learners.
Continuing the conversation
For four years, the Franco-Ontarian Forum has brought together the postsecondary, industry, research and public policy sectors to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration within Ontario’s Francophonie. This year’s discussions once again demonstrated that skills development, pedagogical innovation and strategic partnerships remain central to the vitality and growth of Francophone communities.
We invite you to discover the discussions and continue the reflection within your institution and your network.
Watch the Forum recordings: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVGu-51KG5xM
We extend our sincere thanks to our speakers, panelists, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of this fourth edition of the Franco-Ontarian Forum. We also thank the Government of Canada and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, as well as our sponsors, ECAIT-CEWIL Canada, Academica Careers and Encore Audiovisual.
We look forward to seeing you again next year.
