Our Dartmouth-Cole Harbour constituency office has received many questions and concerns regarding changes to language training for new immigrants to Canada.
Immediately, I reached out to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to find more information on these changes. Language training for new eligible immigrants is important to ensuring a successful transition to life here in Canada.
The Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) has been one of the language service providers in Nova Scotia since 1974. Currently, about 350 students are registered in their English as an Additional Language program.
I was told today that IRCC learned two weeks ago that the HRSB wished to withdraw their proposal entirely for providing this service beyond expiry of the existing contract. HRSB will refocus their efforts on their mandate to provide services to students in the primary to grade 12 education system.
HRSB has stated to IRCC that they are happy to assist with transition plans to ensure that no clients are left behind once the current agreement expires.
IRCC has reached out to the new Service Provider Organization who will be taking on all language services for the Halifax region and they have the capacity and willingness to absorb all 350 students currently registered effective April 1st, 2017 and more.
I was happy to hear that the new language provider will consider interviewing all potentially affected teachers from the HRSB should they want to apply to the new language Service Provider Organization. The new service will be offered to students year round and not just during the school year. And, the new service will be offered to all eligible IRCC clients.
I too am concerned about this service potentially leaving Dartmouth for Halifax -and I will continue to voice my concerns and advocate for continued training services here. As always I appreciate your questions, comments and feedback. I will be watching this transition closely and I will forward any of your concerns directly to IRCC.
