What? Protest the ESL funding cuts. When? Thursday, October 30 from 12 to 5 pm. Where? The BC Legislature. Why? Well, that’s a longer answer.
Many of us, especially those born and raised in Canada, don’t think much of our ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English.
We went to school, learned our ABCs, how to say “please” and “thank you,” write sentences, sound out tough words, all of that jazz. We don’t really think of these as important skills needed to function in society. We take them for granted.
But thousands of new Canadians don’t speak English, people who have come to Canada looking for a fresh start. For those fleeing violence or upheaval in their home countries, learning the language of Canada is the first and most important step to integrating into this country.
That’s why it was so shocking and appalling when, two years ago, the federal government announced it was eliminating $22 million in funding for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in BC.
Last year, the provincial government offered one-time funding to support ESL programs for one year. As of 2015, that funding will be depleted. Other provinces have stepped up to maintain this vital program, while BC has refused to do so.
Domestic ESL students in BC, including those at Camosun College, will have no government support to help them gain the most fundamental and essential skill to succeed in their new country: learning English.
From a social-justice perspective, it makes no sense to deny academic language to citizens. Educationally, it makes no sense to dismantle a program that works well and is inexpensive to deliver. Economically, this will slow down the integration of workers into society.
If we want new Canadians to be productive and successful members of society, we need to give them the tools to succeed. We need to give them a chance.
Please join Camosun students, staff, and faculty at the BC Legislature on Thursday, October 30th for a paint-in. We will be out in front of the Legislature for five hours painting about our collective need for language, and talking about what BC looks like without this program.
Please come out and enjoy the day and share in collaboration; we will have ideas, suggestions, and people to work with you.
They should know English before they come and if they don’t why shouldn’t they pay for it? Why should Canadians be paying for people to come into the country to compete with us for jobs and keep our wages low rediculous.