During a working meeting in Ottawa, Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director of Collège Nordique, met with the President and CEO of the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) to discuss several strategic priorities, including the pan-territorial collaboration project and initiatives supported by the association.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress of ongoing projects, discuss shared priorities and identify next steps to strengthen access to French-language post-secondary education across Northern Canada.

Partnerships that respond to community needs 

ACUFC supports Collège Nordique through several initiatives that contribute to the development of French-language post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories. Among them are early childhood projects, a sector where workforce development and training needs remain significant.

Through this collaboration, Collège Nordique has developed training programs and resources tailored to northern realities while strengthening capacity within the sector.

The pan-territorial project at the heart of the discussions

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the pan-territorial collaboration project led by Collège Nordique in partnership with the Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) and the Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN).

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration across the three territories to improve access to French-language post-secondary education and develop educational offerings that reflect the realities and needs of northern communities.

“Since its creation, Collège Nordique has worked to build lasting capacity for Northern communities. Our collaboration with partners in Yukon and Nunavut allows us to envision a truly pan-territorial model, designed by the North and for the North. This vision will enable us to expand learning opportunities while strengthening our collective ability to address tomorrow's challenges.” — Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director, Collège Nordique

A strategic member of ACUFC

The meeting also reaffirmed Collège Nordique's strategic role within ACUFC. As the association's only member institution with a mandate spanning all three Canadian territories, Collège Nordique brings a unique northern perspective at a time when northern issues are playing an increasingly important role in national conversations.

The President and CEO of ACUFC reaffirmed the association's commitment to continuing its collaboration with Collège Nordique and supporting the institution's next stages of development.

“The project led by Collège Nordique is inspiring in both its ambition and its transformative potential. It responds to a genuine need within Northern Canada's Francophone communities and aligns closely with our mission to advance French-language post-secondary education. ACUFC is committed to continuing to support Collège Nordique in this journey and to helping bring this promising vision for the future to life,” he said.

By continuing their dialogue, Collège Nordique and ACUFC reaffirm their shared commitment to expanding access to French-language post-secondary education that reflects the realities and needs of Northern communities.

A collaboration that continues to grow

This meeting builds on the ongoing relationship between Collège Nordique and ACUFC. In May 2025, ACUFC President and CEO Martin Normand travelled to Yellowknife to meet the Collège Nordique team and learn more about the realities of French-language post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories. Those initial discussions laid the foundation for a collaboration that continues to grow today.