After days of backlash over its cuts to institutions serving francophones, Doug Ford’s PC government says it’s making changes. In a statement Friday night, the Premier says his government is creating a French-Language Services Commissioner within the provincial ombudsman’s office, with plans to turn the office of francophone affairs into a ministry. It’s meant to recognize the significant and ongoing” contributions of the Franco-Ontarian community. The Tories announced last week they were transferring the commissioner’s mandate to Ontario’s ombudsman and scrapping plans for a standalone French-language university. The moves sparked massive outcry from francophones in Ontario and Quebec and were publicly denounced by a member of Ford’s own caucus who represents a largely francophone riding. Ford thanked everyone who reached out to his office following last week’s announcement and said he looks forward to building a constructive dialogue with Franco-Ontarians.