Members of the Trois-Pistoles community in Québec have expressed shock and disappointment over the ending of Western University’s French immersion program in the city after its previous suspension. According to CBC, Western cited the dwindling number of host families for the reason behind this decision. Trois-Pistoles community member Marie-Michèle Barrette highlighted the social and economic benefits that the program brought to the city. “There are families here who are heartbroken … who feel neglected by this institution which was a part of us,” said Barrette, who also noted that hosting students is “part of my family’s culture.” Western indicated in a statement that the program is “misaligned with Western’s strategic priorities” and mentioned that it might seek another university to take over the immersion program.
