Keep LINC Program at VCC Alive
The LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program at VCC is ending without proper plans for students. We are taking action to ask the Ministry to extend LINC programming at VCC for at least another fiscal year.
1. Overview
Background:
LINC is the current iteration of federal government programming that under different titles goes back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. It provides tuition-free language instruction for new adult immigrants. For all of that time, Vancouver Community College has been the largest host for English programming in British Columbia. Whichever wave of immigrants it was—from Viet Nam, China, Hong Kong, eastern European, former Yugoslavia, Afghani, Syrian—they all went through VCC. They then went on to other programming at VCC or at other colleges or universities, or back to work or home, better equipped to deal with our English-centred society. They were welcomed and introduced to Canada properly.
Funding for the program has come straight from the federal government through the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. It has devolved into a contract/request for proposals system with providers like VCC making direct proposals to the agency the Ministry tasked with administering the program. In 2019/20, VCC was successful in securing a five-year arrangement, as usual, the largest in BC. It now has more than 800 students. A year ago, under the posted specifications for programming, VCC made what it thought was going to be a normal bid for renewal of the arrangement for a period starting in April, 2025. There was no indication or warning of a change in approach.
VCC’s bid for training from April 2025 was denied. The stated reasons for the non-renewal made no sense to us. One for example, was wanting training to go to smaller centres. That’s fine, but with 800 students here in Vancouver and with many waiting to start, obviously there’s a massive need here for the training and from what we have heard very few smaller scale providers in the Lower Mainland) were even able to secure their own renewals.
WE NEED TIME TO RECONSIDER, TO DO THINGS PROPERLY :
At least 30 faculty are getting their layoff notices, the VCCFA and others are requesting a moratorium on these cuts—at least for another year. We can engage with funders to find a better way. These students deserve to be treated respectfully. If their programming is to be cut, then it behooves the provider, the federal government, to provide proper notice and to find a proper and just transition path. It’s hard to imagine any other group of 800 adult students being treated this way. It can’t be because they are immigrants that people think this type of treatment is acceptable, can it?
2. LINC Rally
(January 14, 2025)
On January 14th, 2025, the VCCFA organized a rally LINC Department had a rally to protest the VCC LINC cuts. The turnout at the rally was great! Our morning and afternoon classes, teachers, and staff were joined by a few retires, some colleagues, students, and staff from Pathways, ASL & Deaf Studies, DHH, Disability Services, Library, Learning Center, CTLR, ABE, CCA… The union’s support was amazing. It felt good to hear our students’ voices, stand with everyone, and witness the solidarity in the VCC community. CityNews and CBC were there, and they interviewed Maureen, Frank, Jenny Kwan, several students, and teachers.
3. Victoria Rally
(February 27th, 2025)
On February 27th, 2025, students and faculty from Vancouver Community College travelled to Victoria to rally on the steps of the legislature to protest the federal government’s total cut to VCC’s LINC program. They were joined by Minister Ann Kang, MLA George Chow, MLA Joanne Phillips, MLA Paul Choi, MLA Sunita Dhir, MLA George Anderson and MLA Terry Yung.
Frank’s speech
Minister Kang’s speech to the students
Interviews with the students
Photo Gallery
4. Petition
Our petition against the language program cost cuts has gained more than 900 signatures from faculty, students, and community members who believe in the importance of language education. These signatures will be formally submitted to Minister Mark Miller, urging immediate action to protect these vital programs.
Please sign the petition below to keep this program going!
Poster with the link to the petition
5. Interviews
Interviews on CBC the Early Edition
Two former students and Vesna Radivojevic, the LINC coordinator were interviewed on CBC The Early Edition. They talked about the benefits of the LINC program for new immigrants.
Interview Links:
Interview with ALumni
Interview with Vesna
Documentary on Fairchild TV about VCC LINC
There are in-depth interviews with Maureen Kelbert, LINC Department Head, and Cheryl Howrigan, LINC Instructor, who gave a comprehensive overview of our VCC LINC program and the impacts of the cuts, locally, provincially, and federally.
6. Letters
Open Letter from Jenny Kwan to Marc Miller
Jenny Kwan, MP for Vancouver East, expresses serious concerns about the government’s sudden cuts to funding for LINC programs for newcomers across Canada.
She urges Minister Marc Miller to cease the LINC funding cuts, restore the full spectrum of services, and work cooperatively with service providers to ensure a smooth transition for clients and meet legal obligations. She highlights the negative impacts on vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, and criticizes the government’s approach to immigration policy and service funding.
Letter from Taryn to Prime Minister Mark Carney
The letter from the VCCFA Vice President Taryn to Prime Minister Mark Carney expresses concern over recent immigration and student visa measures introduced by Minister Marc Miller, which are negatively impacting international student enrollment and causing financial strain on publicly funded colleges.
7. News articles/links and media
Add Your Voice
Help us Keep LINC Alive—sign the petition to protect language education and support our communities.