Advanced Education will not intervene, but advocacy work continues

At the time of this update, petition signatures have surpassed 1,100 – a clear indication that many people care deeply about supporting newcomers and protecting access to ESL training. By signing, you’ve helped highlight the importance of maintaining programs that serve those building new lives in Alberta. Thank you for lending your voice to this issue – your support underscores its importance.

After a period of correspondence with the Department of Foundational Learning and Strategic and Business Services of the Ministry of Advanced Education, they have indicated that the Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta, will not be intervening in the closure of the School of Global Access at Bow Valley College. My last correspondence with Advanced Education was sent on June 19, 2025, and there has been no response since. 

In an email, Advanced Education acknowledged that “The Minister of Advanced Education is responsible for providing clear mandate direction to post-secondary institution boards, establishing expectations for oversight and accountability, and maintaining ongoing dialogue with these boards on important issues. In accordance with the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act (APAGA), the Minister is also responsible for monitoring whether public agencies are acting within their mandates.” Despite this, they also stated that “The Ministry of Advanced Education does not provide direction or desired outcomes regarding how PSIs (post-secondary institutions) fulfill this stewardship responsibility.”

Their response suggested that they lack the authority to ensure Bow Valley College upholds its government mandate. In my reply, I questioned whether ministerial oversight has been sufficiently exercised. I also argued that the Minister’s authority is not as passive as claimed, since he or she appoints the college’s board and holds the power to remove them. This means the Minister is ultimately accountable for the direction the college takes. By choosing inaction, it signals that the Minister supports the dismantling of southern Alberta’s largest ESL program, despite its critical role in newcomer integration. Finally, I questioned why the college’s mandate from Advanced Education even exists if the Minister is allegedly powerless to intervene when it is not upheld. Mandates are established so that public agencies, such as Bow Valley College, can deliver on priorities that reflect the expectations and values of tax-paying citizens.

You can read the full responses here on the Stand Up for ESL website. 

The office of the Minister of Advanced Education has not yet acknowledged a request for a meeting for further discussion, as requested by my MLA, Mr. Peter Guthrie. I will continue to engage with Mr. Guthrie and the office of Mr. David Eggen, Shadow Minister for Advanced Education, on how to proceed with advocacy efforts. 

We continue to advocate federally. Stand Up for ESL submitted recommendations to the Standing Committee on Finance, urging the restoration of IRCC funding to reverse cuts to language training. In August, staff from Liberal MP Corey Hogan’s office met with me to discuss the issue in detail and committed to prioritizing it on the MP’s docket. We are currently awaiting a response on how he might support federal LINC funding. Following my outreach, Conservative MP William Stevenson raised the matter of IRCC budget cuts with the Ministry of Finance and National Revenue.

Since the last update, the issue has continued to gain media attention and was featured in The Tyee in an article titled “Cuts to Free English Lessons Could Dash Dreams.” 

This issue remains urgent, but all advocacy efforts help keep ESL training — and the newcomers who rely on it — on the public agenda. We’ll continue to push forward, and we’re grateful to have your support along the way.