Leadership changes as Normand Labrie is reinstated as president

TORONTO, May 2, 2024 /CNW/ – The Board of Directors of the Université de l’Ontario français (UOF) announces the appointment of Mr. Norman Labrie as president of UOF. This transition follows the decision of Mr. Pierre Ouellette to end his term at the end of this university cycle and not return September 2024.

The board is pleased with the arrival of Mr. Norman Labrie to the UOF team. As one of the pioneers who contributed to the founding of Université de l’Ontario Français, Mr Labrie has played a crucial role in this historic milestone for French-speaking higher education. His unwavering dedication and extensive expertise will contribute to the expansion and influence of this flagship institution, which is a cornerstone for the development of both the Franco-Ontarian and Canadian French-speaking communities.

Significant contribution and strong commitment to UOF

Because I was one of the brains behind this massive project when it was just an ambition, Norman Labrie actively participated in the conceptualization, planning and establishment of UOF. He played a fundamental role in shaping the university’s academic direction and laying the foundation for its programs.

Mr. Labrie has achieved a high level of credibility and brings a wealth of experience in education, research, administration and management. Some of the notable positions he held at the University of Toronto witnesses to this reality. For example, he was director of the Center de recherches en éducation franco-ontarienne at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Educationand served as Associate Dean, Programs, and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies at the same institution, where he also served as interim dean until recently.

Mr. Labrie also served as scientific director of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Societé et culture, following an appointment by the Quebec government cabinet. Moreover, he has been active in numerous scientific committees in the Netherlands Canada and internationally. Since 2018 he has been a board member of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Canadawhere he currently serves as vice president and chairman of the board of directors.

As UOF aims to achieve financial sustainability in the coming years, Mr. Norman Labrie will continue the efforts already underway in this area. In addition, he will make the necessary efforts to strengthen the current foundations on which UOF stands, thereby stimulating significant growth. By focusing on the relevance and excellence of programs, opening new study opportunities to meet the bilingual needs of the market’s workforce, and maintaining strong collaborative ties with the Ontario government, and cooperation with institutions and social organizations, Norman Labrie will ensure that the Université de l’Ontario français to achieve its sustainable development and secure the future of university education ‘by and for’ French speakers in Ontario.

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Quotes

“The UOF Board of Directors is pleased to benefit from Mr. Labrie’s valuable experience and strong leadership. His deep knowledge of the subject and his expertise will enable him to continue this institute’s critical mission of knowledge and innovation aim, namely addressing the current and future interests of the Franco-Ontarian student community. The Board of Directors also expresses its gratitude Pierre Ouellette for his contributions over the past three years. He has been instrumental in the development of new programs targeting sectors with high demand in the labor market and in the successful launch of the University and its entities amid the pandemic.”

Jacques Naud, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Université de l’Ontario French

“I am thrilled to join the dedicated team of professors and professionals at UOF. I am deeply committed to the raison d’être of this institution, and it is with humility and determination that I will work to achieve its goals of UOF. I feel privileged to join the UOF team and serve the interests of our student community and all our French-speaking communities.”

Norman Labrienew president of the Université de l’Ontario French

About Université de l’Ontario French

With a range of bachelor degrees, short programs and certificates, UOF offers educational programs focused on current issues such as responsible management, learning, immigration, diversity and inclusion, constant digital innovation, as well as the sustainable and equitable development of our societies and the environment. From the city center Torontostudents take classes, do assignments and gain work experience, which opens doors for many companies in need of qualified bilingual staff.

SOURCE Université de l’Ontario French (UOF)

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