Ottawa – After more than a decade of leadership, Lise Bourgeois has stepped down as President and CEO of Collège La Cité, leaving a legacy of growth, innovation, and a strengthened commitment to francophone education in Ontario. Her tenure, spanning from March 2010 to June 2024, saw the college expand its reach, embrace latest technologies, and solidify its position as a vital pillar of the province’s francophone community. This transition marks a significant moment for La Cité and the broader network of francophone post-secondary institutions in Canada.
Bourgeois’s career in education began with the Eastern Ontario school boards, first with the Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO) and then the Conseil scolaire catholique de district de l’Est ontarien (CECCE). She rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Director of Education at the CECCE from 2003 to 2010. During her time at the CECCE, the school board experienced significant growth, with the opening of five new schools and the commencement of construction on two more, serving nearly 20,000 students. According to La Cité’s official website, this period was characterized by exceptional performance, unmatched across the province.
A Decade of Transformation at La Cité
In 2010, Bourgeois took the helm of La Cité, the largest French-language college of applied arts and technology in Ontario. Her leadership focused on student success, pedagogical innovation, and the development of programs aligned with evolving market needs. Under her guidance, La Cité surpassed 7,000 students and inaugurated “l’Excentricité,” a unique experiential learning pavilion. This facility represents a significant investment in innovative teaching methods and provides students with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge environment.
Bourgeois’s commitment extended beyond the college walls. She actively engaged with numerous provincial and national councils and organizations, including the TFO (Télévision française d’Ontario), the Centre de leadership et d’évaluation, and the Centre de planification des services de santé en français. Her dedication to the francophone community was consistently recognized through prestigious awards, including the Prix Bernard-Grandmaître, the Ordre de la francophonie de Prescott-Russell, the Ordre de La Pléiade, and the Order of Ontario. These accolades reflect her profound impact on the cultural and educational landscape of Ontario.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
While Bourgeois’s tenure was largely marked by success, it wasn’t without its challenges. As reported by Radio-Canada in 2023, she announced her retirement in August 2023, with her mandate concluding in June 2024. This decision, made in accordance with a previously agreed-upon extension of her mandate in June 2022, allowed for a planned transition and the opportunity to identify a successor to continue La Cité’s momentum. The article notes that her departure was announced via a press release from the college.
During her time as President and CEO, La Cité expanded its program offerings, including the introduction of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree – a second specialized bachelor’s degree offered by the institution. The college as well developed new delivery models to make training accessible throughout Ontario and Canada, responding to the growing demand for skilled workers in various sectors. This expansion of access is particularly important for francophone communities across the province, ensuring that students have opportunities to pursue post-secondary education in their language of choice.
Expanding Access and Innovation
La Cité’s growth under Bourgeois’s leadership wasn’t solely focused on physical expansion. The college also prioritized the development of innovative programs and learning experiences. The inauguration of l’Excentricité, a state-of-the-art learning facility, exemplifies this commitment. The pavilion provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces, fostering creativity and innovation. The college also embraced digital learning technologies, expanding its online course offerings and providing students with greater flexibility in their studies.
The college’s success in attracting a record number of students – exceeding 6,500 – is a testament to its growing reputation and the quality of its programs. This growth reflects the increasing demand for skilled workers in Ontario and the college’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the labour market. La Cité’s focus on practical, hands-on training ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields.
A Lasting Legacy and Future Outlook
Lise Bourgeois’s leadership at Collège La Cité has left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader francophone community in Ontario. Her dedication to student success, pedagogical innovation, and community engagement has positioned La Cité as a leading provider of French-language post-secondary education. Her influence extends beyond the college, as she has served on numerous boards and organizations dedicated to promoting the interests of francophones in the province.
As Bourgeois transitions into retirement, the search for her successor is underway. The incoming President and CEO will inherit a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future. The challenges facing post-secondary institutions – including funding constraints, evolving student demographics, and the rapid pace of technological change – will require strong leadership and a commitment to innovation. Though, with its dedicated faculty, engaged students, and supportive community, La Cité is well-positioned to continue its success in the years to come.
The college’s commitment to developing “every student’s important francophone talent” and ensuring that “everyone can succeed with the right tools and support” will remain central to its mission. This focus on inclusivity and equity will be crucial as La Cité navigates the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The future of La Cité, and of francophone education in Ontario, remains bright under the continued dedication of its community.
The Board of Governors is expected to announce Bourgeois’s replacement in the coming months. Further updates on the leadership transition will be available on the Collège La Cité website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important leadership change in the comments below.
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