When moving to a new country, it is important to improve your language proficiency to navigate daily life and ultimately build a long-term future in your new home.
For newcomers to Canada, learning English is essential to effective integration into Canadian society on social, cultural and economic levels. Fluency in the English language improves access to employment and educational opportunities, navigation with health care and essential services and engagement with the local community.
Supporting newcomers in building their future in Canada is the mission of Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), a non-profit that welcomes and supports newcomers in settling into their communities, learning English, studying and finding work in B.C.
ISSofBC’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program is designed to teach functional English language skills and effective communication skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Since 2011, the free program (funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has been serving those living in the regions of Squamish, the Sea to Sky (encompassing Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet) and the Sunshine Coast (encompassing Gibsons, Sechelt and Powell River).
Qualified instructors with years of experience help participants progress through the levels of the Canadian Language Benchmark (the national standardized system of measuring English language proficiency) at a steady pace. Through LINC, newcomers will learn the knowledge and skills to achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 for Canadian citizenship. Plus, LINC assessments are available both in-person and online for more flexibility.
LINC also covers a wide range of topics that are essential for a newcomer's integration into Canadian society, including:
- Navigating housing, banking, health care and transportation
- Introductory essential information on Canada and Canadian culture
- Making new connections with people from many different countries
- Connecting with settlement and employment services in their communities
The LINC program leads participants to greater personal and professional success, as exemplified by previous participant Joudi Saffo.
Saffo began his new life in Canada in 2022. Originally from Syria, he came to Canada with a clear goal: to learn English and start a new life in B.C. Knowing that mastering the English language was essential for opportunities and fitting into Canadian society, Saffo joined the LINC program in Squamish, which became crucial to his success.
Through hard work, determination and support from his instructors, he reached Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4. With improved language skills, he confidently searched for jobs in the province, and in just two months, he found work in Squamish. His improved English not only helped him professionally but also enriched his daily life in his new community.
Potential clients should contact the LINC program first to determine eligibility and to schedule their required Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test/Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment. CLBPT/CLBPA can be completed online and in person.
In addition to individuals who have completed an assessment at a LINC Assessment Centre, those eligible for the program include:
- Permanent Residents (PR) 17 years old or older
- Naturalized Canadian citizens actively seeking employment
- Work permit holders (at least one year in length) who can demonstrate intention to reside in B.C.
Those who are not currently eligible for LINC can contact ISSofBC to find out more information about other English language training programs.
ISSofBC will be hosting LINC information sessions on Sept. 4 and 5 in Sechelt and Powell River:
- Sunshine Coast Welcoming Communities at 5627 Inlet Ave in Sechelt on Sept 4., 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Lift Community Services at #106-4871 Joyce Avenue in Powell River on Sept. 5., 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information, visit issbc.org/our-programs-and-services/linc-sea-to-sky-and-sunshine-coast-squamish
