I'd like to start by saying that the AJEFO's mandate focuses on access to justice in French. Our primary concerns are therefore related to the announcement concerning the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner.
However, we don't really have an education mandate, even though we work in the education sector and are involved in justice camps. Nevertheless, Mr. Rioux, I'd like to try to help you and this committee with regard to the university. I would say the following.
I haven't examined the act establishing the Université de l'Ontario français in detail, but one thing is clear. The institutions of all the minority communities in Ontario and the rest of Canada are really central to those communities. That's really what enhances the identity of those communities. When one of their institutions is eliminated, it directly affects the core and advancement of those francophone communities. That principle was very clearly confirmed by the Court of Appeal for Ontario in the case concerning Montfort Hospital, for example, which is a central institution for the community.
I think you have to be careful. I know you've heard about the Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario. Various committees are currently looking into this matter to determine whether eliminating that institution is actually critical and whether legal remedies are possible.
You have unlimited leeway regarding federal government funding for the university. The federal government has an opportunity here to consider this matter further, whether as part of an action plan or of another program. The university would clearly have an impact on the Franco-Ontarian community, but also on the rest of Canada, for francophones who may wish to go and study in a province other than their own.
That's one thing to look at. It's at the federal government's discretion. You probably have virtually unlimited funding powers.
Lastly, I'd say the disposal of properties isn't my field of expertise. I wouldn't want to venture too far and suggest what the government can or can't do. That's obviously a very broad issue. Perhaps the government should examine a specific case.