Canada announces new funding for enhanced training in both official languages

Language training is one of several settlement services funded by the federal government to help immigrants integrate into their new communities. To recognize the importance of language skills in successful settlement of a newcomer, government is investing millions of dollars in two key language training programs: the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program (LINC) and the Enhanced Language Training program (ELT).

To promote the objectives of ELT, federal government has recently invested in various programs and services that will offer their participants an opportunity to learn real life options within a Canadian context, outline clear pathways to employment and build the social capital within Canadian cities.

Under the $920 million Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning will receive over $5.5 million to build English language training, mentorship and career development programs for newcomers. Designed specifically for internationally trained professionals, these services will help approximately 800 individuals preparing to enter the Canadian labor market.

These services will be offered at Sheidan’s campuses in Oakville and Brampton, and participants will be allowed access to the library, career centres and computer labs.

Yukon College is also receiving $129,000 to deliver job-specific language training to help prepare newcomers for jobs in Canada that match their skills and qualifications. This also makes it easier for immigrants to integrate into the community. Funding for enhanced language training is provided on a yearly basis and renewed every school year.

And under the $2.7 million in basic settlement funding to New Brunswick for 2008-09, the Multicultural Association of Fredericton will receive about $2.7 million to deliver services that will help newcomers become established in Fredericton and surrounding areas. These services include language training, translation and interpretation, and referrals to community resources. The Association will also provide youth settlement workers who will work with newcomer youth in the community.

Under Canadian government’s five-year Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities and Canada’s Official Languages Action Plan, the Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) will receive $104,000 to develop tools, activities and partnerships aimed at attracting and integrating French-speaking immigrants to Francophone minority communities outside Quebec. In 2006, more than 1,553 French-speaking newcomers settled in British Columbia.

The Association Franco-Yukonnaise (AFY) will also receive over $212,000 to deliver services in both official languages to newcomers in Yukon. The AFY also provides services for Francophones in minority communities, welcomes all newcomers, and encourages their participation in their new communities.

Government of Canada’s Strategic Plan to Foster Immigration to Francophone Minority Communities is a five-year plan to improve capacity building and developing the broad, long-term partnerships within the community required to integrate Francophone immigrants into Canadian society. This action plan was started in September 2006.