Dear Minister Diab,
Congratulations on your reelection in Halifax West and appointment as Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
On behalf of the 星空传媒 (TDSB), I am writing to express our concern regarding the recent reduction in federal funding for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs. As such, we are requesting transitional funding support to ensure the continued delivery of these essential services.
As the largest school board in Canada, the TDSB has proudly operated the country’s most extensive LINC program since 1992. These programs are a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration settlement services, providing free English language instruction to adult newcomers — including permanent residents and convention refugees — as they begin their new lives in Toronto.
We were recently informed that federal funding for TDSB’s LINC programs will be reduced by one-third. This significant cut will result in the closure of five of our twelve language program centres and the cancellation of eight additional classes at the remaining sites. These closures will have a profound impact on newcomer communities across Toronto, particularly those who rely on accessible, community-based language instruction to navigate life in a new country.
The demand for LINC programming remains strong. Our classes are offered year-round at various levels, from beginner to high-intermediate, and are designed to meet the diverse needs of adult learners. Many of our sites also provide Care for Newcomer Children (CNC), enabling parents to attend classes while their children are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
LINC offers more than just language acquisition. These programs foster social integration, economic participation, and a sense of belonging for thousands of newcomers each year.
We understand that funding decisions must balance many priorities; however, we urge the federal government to consider transitional funding support for the TDSB’s LINC programs — at least until there is a demonstrable and sustained decrease in demand. Without this support, we risk leaving thousands of newcomers without the tools they need to succeed in Canada, undermining the very goals of our immigration and settlement policies.
The TDSB is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government to ensure that newcomers receive the support they need to thrive. We believe that continued investment in language instruction is not simply a matter of educational equity, it is a strategic investment in Canada’s future.
Thank you for considering our request for transitional funding until a more sustainable path forward can be identified. We appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and your continued leadership in supporting newcomers to Canada.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Chair, 星空传媒
cc:
The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education
The Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto