Recently, my friend Linh Huynh posted this on Social Media and I felt it was important to share:
“Yesterday afternoon, I logged onto my work email and saw: "High Importance!" the college announced it will no longer be offering its Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs, effective when the current term ends in April due to funding cuts by the Federal government. The program dates back to 1965.
"And just like that, an entire chapter of my life disappears. The weight of this news sits heavy in my chest, a quiet devastation that lingers in every breath. To lose my job at Bow Valley College is not just the loss of a paycheck or a title—it’s the unravelling of a purpose I've poured my heart into.
"As a professional speaker, I now work primarily from home, but since 2009, I have also taught ESL to newcomers at Bow Valley College. I transitioned away from full-time instruction in recent years to focus on writing my memoir and growing my speaking career - occasionally returning as a substitute. I am fortunate that I have my speaking career, but my heart breaks for those who will be left behind.
"For years, I have walked into those classrooms not just as an educator, but as a guide, a champion, a believer in the power of language to change lives.
"I have seen the spark in the eyes of newcomers as they grasp a word, a phrase, a piece of confidence that brings them closer to belonging. Immigrants are not just students to me; they are the dreamers, the fighters, the ones who redefine possibility with every step forward.
"They carry histories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope, and I have been honoured to stand beside them as they carve out a place in a new world. To know that this safe space, this bridge to opportunity, (which) is being erased, is nothing short of heartbreaking. The loss isn’t just mine—it’s theirs. It’s ours.
"The silence that follows is deafening. But silence cannot be the final word."
What Can We Do?
-𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Share this post and talk about the impact of these cuts. People need to know how this will affect thousands of newcomers trying to build a life in Canada.
-𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: Write to your MP and the Minister of Immigration to voice your concern about the defunding of LINC programs. Our leaders need to hear that this matters.
-𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗦𝗟 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀: If you know of organizations stepping in to fill this gap, share their resources. If you’re in a position to support or volunteer, now is the time.
Newcomers come to this country full of hope, and language is their key to unlocking opportunity.
If you’re impacted by this, or if you have ideas on how we can fight for ESL programs, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s not stay silent. Let’s push for change.”
You can contact Linh at [email protected]
© 2025 Martin Parnell
