Ukrainian newcomers in Edmonton scramble to find English classes as federal funding ends
Ukrainian newcomers in Edmonton with temporary Canadian visas are seeking out affordable English classes after the federal government ended its settlement support funding at the end of March.
The funding provided subsidized English classes for the past two years, which the Ukrainian Canadian Congress said are vital for the success of newcomers in Canada.
"Many have arrived here with very limited or no English," said UCC president Orysia Boychuk.
"Without having the English classes, employment becomes extremely challenging and it's also very difficult to get into any kind of post-secondary education for those who want to continue studying or take a trade."
Immigration, Refugees and Canadian Citizenship Canada provided the classes, but Boychuk said waitlists for the classes were six months to a year long, meaning some people were never actually placed in a class.
"There was a very limited amount of access to the program. So people who actually needed it and enrolled, many have not received the training."
Boychuk said it can take over a year for newcomers to learn English well enough to feel comfortable using it at work or school.
In a statement to CBC, the IRCC said the settlement services, which also included access to settlement workers who helped newcomers navigate government systems and fill out paperwork "are typically reserved for permanent residents and were intended to provide temporary support to Ukrainians and their family members as they adjusted to life in Canada."
The statement goes on to read "while federally funded settlement services are no longer available, many Ukrainians may be able to access similar programs and services through non-IRCC funded settlement service providers, community groups [and different levels of local government]."
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress said it is now trying to adjust to the changes and has started offering its own language classes.
Without access to federal programming, newcomers have limited options, Boychuk said, and many rely on community organizations to provide affordable programs. English classes at private colleges can cost up to $4,000 for a four-month program.
The need for English classes
The Islamic Family & Social Services Association provides support for newcomers and refugees and often faces challenges associated with access to English classes. Omar Yaqub is the executive director and said it's not only about ensuring there is enough space in the classes.
"When we're pushing people into limited options, we're often pushing them out completely. If you tell a parent who has to pick up a child that 3 p.m. is the only time they can take a class, you are essentially telling them they can't take a class," said Yaqub.
Yaqub said it's also important for newcomers to begin English classes within a few months of their arrival, otherwise it can lead to social isolation and poverty.
To help ensure success for newcomers, Yaqub said English education should be treated similar to the public school system. He wants to see standardization and a curriculum that both private and public organizations can follow.
"If we want to be able to continue to grow, to continue to be prosperous, we need immigration. If we want immigration to be successful, then we need our language training to also keep up with the needs we see."
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