What can newcomers to Canada do, when public ESL/TEFL classes get cut?
Less than a month has passed since the last Federal election in Canada, where several leaders referred to building a “just,” “kind” and “safe” country, cutbacks to immigration are intensifying.
Director of “Languages Canada,” Gonzalo Peralta, said: “We are “handcuffing ourselves” to failures of newcomers to “integrate, communicate and be safe in our communities” (Apr 23, 2025).
· Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in 2019, funded $562M to language services (across all levels) in AB, SK and MB.
· By 2024, that funding dropped by 41% to only $335M (in same provinces)
· “Intermediate”-level English language learners (approx. CLB levels 5-8 out of 12) will be entirely cut by September 2026. Funding will remain only for “Beginner”-level learners (CLB 1-4):
So as newcomers, what can you do? And what about the English-speaking employers in Canada who need your labour or expertise?
Hire me.
I’m Elizabeth Shih, an ESL instructor who offers custom-designed, strategic English language classes from beginner to advanced (CLB levels 2-12). Visit this blog for more.
And email me (shih.ea@gmail.com) for a free, 15-minute conversation to discuss your language needs.
A new term starts when you do!
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