Latest news with #OfficialLanguages
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One in Eight Language Education Programs Shut Down: Immigration Policy Putting Canada's Official Languages Sector at Risk
OTTAWA, ON, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - According to Languages Canada, over 13% of Canada's accredited English and French language education programs closed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, marking the sharpest decline in the sector's history. The number of accredited Official Languages programs is now at its lowest since 2011. The sector has seen a dramatic decline in recent years. In 2019, it generated $6.7 billion in economic activity and supported over 75,000 jobs. In 2024, those numbers shrank to $3.7 billion and 35,000, despite Canada's global reputation for quality language education and its recognition as a top destination for English and French language learning. "Canada's immigration system has become unpredictable and unwelcoming," said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. "Students and their families now see Canada as too risky, and institutions are finding that Official Languages programs are no longer financially viable." A Policy Crisis of Canada's Own Making In 2024 alone, 13 major changes were made to IRCC's International Student Program, all in response to issues unrelated to language education, such as housing and workforce gaps. Yet none considered the impact on Canada's Official Languages programs, which play a unique and strategic role in national infrastructure, productivity and identity. These programs were not responsible for housing shortages (most students live with Canadian families during their studies) and did not displace Canadian workers (language students are not allowed to work). Nevertheless, they have borne the brunt of poorly targeted policies. The most recent policy change prevents Official Languages students from transitioning smoothly into post-secondary programs, dismantling long-standing and effective pathways between Canadian institutions. This not only undermines decades of successful collaboration but also puts students and their families in precarious situations. As Peralta observes, "We rightly express concern when Canadian students are denied opportunities in the U.S. due to unfair policies—but the truth is, tens of thousands of international students already in Canada are now facing similar injustices here."Retention, Productivity, and Integration at Stake Research shows that international students completing language programs before entering post-secondary studies in Canada have higher GPAs and better retention outcomes, offering a measurable return on investment for institutions. These programs also foster better integration into communities, and a safer and more productive workforce. "Language is not just a learning outcome—it's national infrastructure," added Peralta. "It drives academic success, workplace productivity, and social cohesion." A Loss of Identity Beyond economics and student success, the erosion of Canada's Official Languages education sector represents a profound cultural loss. Canada's bilingual identity is a cornerstone of its values and global brand. As language programs disappear, so too does Canada's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and shared identity through its Official Languages. As Peralta concludes: "My hope is that our newly elected government asks how Official Languages education can be a strategic advantage to the country, as infrastructure to reaffirm Canadian identity, support productivity in all sectors, and foster inclusive and socially cohesive communities." About Languages Canada Languages Canada is the voice of Canada's official languages education providers. Our 170 members include English and French public college and university language programs and private language schools, located across nine provinces. Collectively, they welcomed 97,000 international and domestic students into Canadian classrooms and communities in 2024 (down from 150,000 in 2019). Languages Canada members are committed to operating in accordance with the LC Quality Assurance Framework and Accreditation Scheme, which are rooted in student protection, quality education, and ethical business practice. To learn more, visit SOURCE Languages Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
24-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
One in Eight Language Education Programs Shut Down: Immigration Policy Putting Canada's Official Languages Sector at Risk Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - According to Languages Canada, over 13% of Canada's accredited English and French language education programs closed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, marking the sharpest decline in the sector's history. The number of accredited Official Languages programs is now at its lowest since 2011. The sector has seen a dramatic decline in recent years. In 2019, it generated $6.7 billion in economic activity and supported over 75,000 jobs. In 2024, those numbers shrank to $3.7 billion and 35,000, despite Canada's global reputation for quality language education and its recognition as a top destination for English and French language learning. "Canada's immigration system has become unpredictable and unwelcoming," said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. "Students and their families now see Canada as too risky, and institutions are finding that Official Languages programs are no longer financially viable." A Policy Crisis of Canada's Own Making In 2024 alone, 13 major changes were made to IRCC's International Student Program, all in response to issues unrelated to language education, such as housing and workforce gaps. Yet none considered the impact on Canada's Official Languages programs, which play a unique and strategic role in national infrastructure, productivity and identity. These programs were not responsible for housing shortages (most students live with Canadian families during their studies) and did not displace Canadian workers (language students are not allowed to work). Nevertheless, they have borne the brunt of poorly targeted policies. The most recent policy change prevents Official Languages students from transitioning smoothly into post-secondary programs, dismantling long-standing and effective pathways between Canadian institutions. This not only undermines decades of successful collaboration but also puts students and their families in precarious situations. As Peralta observes, "We rightly express concern when Canadian students are denied opportunities in the U.S. due to unfair policies—but the truth is, tens of thousands of international students already in Canada are now facing similar injustices here." Retention, Productivity, and Integration at Stake Research shows that international students completing language programs before entering post-secondary studies in Canada have higher GPAs and better retention outcomes, offering a measurable return on investment for institutions. These programs also foster better integration into communities, and a safer and more productive workforce. "Language is not just a learning outcome—it's national infrastructure," added Peralta. "It drives academic success, workplace productivity, and social cohesion." A Loss of Identity Beyond economics and student success, the erosion of Canada's Official Languages education sector represents a profound cultural loss. Canada's bilingual identity is a cornerstone of its values and global brand. As language programs disappear, so too does Canada's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and shared identity through its Official Languages. As Peralta concludes: "My hope is that our newly elected government asks how Official Languages education can be a strategic advantage to the country, as infrastructure to reaffirm Canadian identity, support productivity in all sectors, and foster inclusive and socially cohesive communities." About Languages Canada Languages Canada is the voice of Canada's official languages education providers. Our 170 members include English and French public college and university language programs and private language schools, located across nine provinces. Collectively, they welcomed 97,000 international and domestic students into Canadian classrooms and communities in 2024 (down from 150,000 in 2019). Languages Canada members are committed to operating in accordance with the LC Quality Assurance Framework and Accreditation Scheme, which are rooted in student protection, quality education, and ethical business practice. To learn more, visit
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo County Council employees praised for embracing the Irish language
The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Ireland's rich linguistic heritage. This initiative reflects the local authority's dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish. The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said 'Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.' This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy. 'By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.' Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: 'Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion. 'Whether you've mastered an modh coinníollach or you're still getting to grips with a response to 'an bhfuil tú go maith?', you are part of a movement — a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language'.
Montreal Gazette
17-06-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Quebec sees sharp rise in federal language complaints amid Canada-wide surge
By Canadians aren't staying quiet about language rights. Across the country, there were 1,163 language complaints, compared to 847 during the previous period — a 37 per cent jump, according to the 2024-25 annual report of the Commissioner of Official Languages, published Tuesday. Despite the surge, the total number of complaints remains below the 10-year average. And it's far lower than the 5,409 complaints filed in 2021-22, when thousands of Canadians lodged formal grievances about an English-only speech in Montreal by Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau. The number of federal language complaints filed in Quebec jumped by 21 per cent over the past year, newly released figures show — part of a nationwide increase. Quebecers filed 211 complaints in 2024-25, up from 175 the previous year, the report said. Seventy per cent of the Quebec complaints were about language used in public services, while issues related to language of work came in second at 27 per cent. The complaints allege that federal institutions infringed on rights regarding English or French. Canadians can ask the commissioner to investigate federal government institutions, airport authorities, Crown corporations such as Via Rail and some private companies, including Air Canada and Canadian National Railway. Raymond Théberge, the Commissioner of Official Languages, is scheduled to discuss the figures at a news conference on Tuesday. This story will be updated.
