SFU still requires their students to learn Java. Python is the introductory programming language of choice, and the introductory programming course is centered around it, but it isn't a requirement. (reference: http://www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/programs/majors.html ; I'm also close to the associate dean).
That being said, Python is a wonderful language to get started in programming.
That being said, Python is a wonderful language to get started in programming.