As you are aware, this was an issue I initially brought to the attention of the House. I also wrote to various Ministers and raised it at a joint meeting with the Vancouver Mayor and other MPs and it was following this meeting that MP Fry and I sent the co-signed letter to you. As it relates to an organization that operates in my riding, I am wondering why I have not been included as part of these discussions. Your government has stated time and again that you want to work with all Members of Parliament to support the community through this pandemic. In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, I hope you would be willing to include me in this conversation as this is a non-partisan matter. Kindly note that I am available any time to meet your schedule and look forward to your response.
City TV NEWS: Rally outside Vancouver college protests sudden termination of key English program
Dozens of students and instructors gathered at Vancouver Community College (VCC) Tuesday to protest the unexpected shutdown of the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
LINC, which has helped thousands of immigrants learn English, secure jobs, and work toward citizenship, is set to be terminated at the end of March due to federal funding cuts.
The move has left over 800 students without a clear path forward and more than 30 instructors without jobs.
“We found out just before winter break, and this was the first opportunity to get people together to raise spirits, because people have been really down.” said Frank Cosco, president of the VCC Faculty Association.