Keep the LINC Program at Vancouver Community College

Without language study, immigrants without strong language skills cannot make a decent living in this country. Keep the program!

I am deep disappointment and concern regarding the federal government’s decision to stop funding the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Canada’s success has always depended on the contributions of immigrants, and providing them with access to language training is essential for their integration and success. By ending this funding, we are not only putting newcomers at a significant disadvantage but also undermining Canada’s long-term economic and social success. Without adequate language skills, newcomers face barriers to employment, education, and community engagement, which impacts not only them but also the broader Canadian society. This decision risks setting immigrants—and Canada as a whole—on a path to failure. I urge the government to reconsider this decision and reinstate funding for LINC.

The VCC LINC program helped a lots to learn Canadian cultures and communicate people in the diversity. The teachers in VCC LINC program are amazing to guide our careers in Canadian work environment. I really hope the government keeps this program for future immigrants to adjust their new life in Canada

This program is integral to providing newcomers with wrap around support as they are welcomed into Canada.

The program provides language training services to permanent residents and citizens. It's been running for 60 years. It also accommodates students with disabilities. Nowhere in Metro Vancouver will the students find this type of service. The Feds betray Newcomers by shutting down this program.

Eliminating this program prevents newcomers from learning the language. Why would an English-speaking country need people without a language?

The Federal Government needs to extend this program indefinitely. Newcomers to Canada need to be fluent in English in order to have a chance at succeeding in this country.

M

It’s very important for help the newcomers

VCC's LINC program has helped many newcomers improve their english language skills, and to adapt to their adopted home and culture. It's a very important program, and should be well-funded!

LINC and the other English programs are necessary for the immigrants.

I have taken LINC classes at VCC, and they were incredibly helpful and informative, offering insights into Canadian life and culture beyond just teaching English. I truly hope these courses continue at VCC, especially given their excellent accessibility.

This is an excellent program for new immigrants to begin and advance their language learning as they immerse themselves in a new culture.

This program is too important to lose. LINC at VCC provides newcomer adults with a wrap around experience of education - access to libraries, counsellors, a student community, excellent instruction and most importantly a sense of being a welcomed Canadian and a life long learner.

Mr. Minister, I beg you to extend the term of study for a year. By closing LINK, you are throwing us into the abyss of despair, becausestuding on LINK is the hope of returning to normal life for many people who have suffered from aggression and injustice.

Stop these cuts immediately!

VCC has offered a quality language program to new immigrants since 1970’s. Why stop now when English competency is more important than ever to successfully integrate?

The LINC program provides a bridge for newcomers to access higher education and mainstream educational programs, including programs in health care and skilled trades at VCC. Decreasing the permanent resident admissions in 2025-2027 should not impact IRCC’s mandate and commitment to supporting the permanent residents who have already been admitted to Canada and are doing their best to deal with the most challenging process of settling in a new country. The funds IRCC has invested in the educational resources (online Moodle course Avenue.ca, formerly Edulink; Stage I and Stage 2 Language Companions; departmental sets of textbooks along with all audio resources, computer lab and all the software) will be obsolete and thrown out. In future, with new growth in permanent resident admissions, new funds will be needed to reinstate all the human resources and educational resources. We should be preserving and using the existing resources and safeguarding taxpayers’ money, not wasting them and duplicating them in a few years. It has taken decades to build LINC (including its earlier versions) at VCC, a highly respected and reputable program. It has deep roots and a rich history with important connections to various immigrant-serving agencies in the community. IRCC’s decision to axe the program altogether is severely damaging to the community. Community building takes time, effort and resources. Destruction takes no time and leaves a huge, irreparable void. I understand that fiscal decisions are never easy. However, I believe consultation and collaboration with experts who have not been approached yet can help find a pathway. Please reconsider this decision and preserve LINC at VCC and other institutions slated for defunding. Reduction is one alternative to annihilation. Partnership with the provincial government is another alternative. There are ways to preserve what has been built over many years with priceless expertise, resources, public funds and community co

I am learning English at VCC for 2 years but now I heard bad news about LINC classes. Where are canton my classes I don't,

Please keep it