Quebec government worried about elimination of Ontario's French Language commissioner

The news that Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government will abolish Ontario's Office of the French Language Services Commissioner is not sitting well in Quebec.

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The office serves as the representative for Franco-Ontarians, ensuring theFrench Language Services Act is followed.

According to the Ontario government, there are more than 600,000 people in that province who identify as French speakers.

The dismantling of the office is a cost-cutting measure to deal with Ontario's deficit, government officials say. Its work is tobe folded intothe Ontario ombudsman's office.

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"I want French in Ontario to be protected as much as possible," said Quebec Premier FranoisLegault.

Legault says it's a topic he'll broach when he and Ford meet on Monday.

'Petty and provocative'

Quebec City MayorRgis Labeaumedid not hold back on his opinion of the cut.

"[Franco-Ontarians] really do not deserve this.... It's really petty," he told reporters.

"I think it's a provocation because this is really a small office that does a lot of mitigation between francophones and the government."

In a series of tweets, Quebec Francophone Relations Minister Sonia LeBelsays she spoke to Caroline Mulroney, Ontario's minister responsible for francophoneaffairs, to express her concerns.

LeBel says Mulroney reiterated her commitment to Franco-Ontariansbut mentioned the need to cut costs.

"We will continue to promote and defend and the interests of francophones throughout Canada," LeBelsaid.

'Unthinkable' move,PMO says

The prime ministeris calling the decision to abolish Ontario's French language office "unthinkable."

"Today is a good day to reflect on how absolutely critical it is for governments in this country to protect, preserve and cherish minority language rights," said Justin Trudeau, in a tweet.