Recent dialogue with the Department of Foundational Learning and Skills Development

Recently, the Department of Foundational Learning and Skills Development of the Government of Alberta has initiated correspondence with me on behalf of the Minister of Advanced Education. While a meeting with the Minister, now Mr. Myles McDougall, has not yet been agreed to, having the opportunity to provide insights and further proof of the gravity of the situation is a positive and appreciated opportunity. I informed the Minister that currently, the estimated total waitlist to attend a LINC class in Calgary is 9,000 individuals (CBC This is Calgary Podcast, April 16, 2025). 

If you have not written or called your MLA regarding this issue, please consider doing so now. This would also be an impactful time to follow-up with any communication you have initiatived in the past. Making more noise about this issue is the most important thing we can do - and every single effort counts. You can find your MLA using this website, and a form email which you can use for your convenience can be found here. Please also consider sharing this petition, which has reached almost 1,000 signatures by concerned members of the public.

Over the past month, awareness of this issue has increased among both political parties in Alberta. Notably, the event of the closure of ESL programming at Bow Valley College was brought to attention during question period at the Alberta Legislature on Wednesday, April 30. You can view a clip of this along with other relevant media content here.

At the national level we are now seeing mobilization to organize advocacy efforts for the restoration of LINC funding. Stand Up for ESL is joining with affected and interested parties across the country to build a cohesive advocacy movement directed to the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Ms. Lena Metlege Diab.

Ongoing advocacy is driving greater awareness within government, prompting important discussions and action. Your efforts are making a difference - let’s keep the momentum going!