A Calgary settlement agency that provides free English-language programs for newcomers has laid off dozens of employees following federal funding cuts that are forcing organizations to scale back integration services. The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) saw its budget reduced by approximately 15 percent for the current fiscal year, leading to more than 40 layoffs in March, primarily among language instructors. The cuts have intensified pressure on a waitlist that already exceeds 2,000 individuals.
Impact on Language Instruction
Sally Zhao, president and CEO of TIES, stated that the organization operates Calgary's largest Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, offering classes from basic literacy to Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 8. However, as of April 1, the agency has already eliminated 26 classes, with further reductions planned. By September, all higher-level classes beyond CLB 4 will be discontinued, affecting approximately 500 students. Additionally, a home-study program serving 160 language learners will see its capacity reduced to just 20 spots.
Zhao expressed deep concern about the cuts, noting that advanced language classes are crucial for newcomers to transition into the workforce. 'For CLB 5 and above, the language level is still too low to take on some jobs,' she explained. The agency is exploring alternative funding sources with other Calgary organizations but faces limited options. 'The resources are so limited, and we are really struggling,' Zhao added, hoping potential donors might step forward.
Broader Context of Federal Cuts
The changes at TIES mirror similar reductions elsewhere in Calgary. Bow Valley College announced last year it would discontinue its LINC programming after April 2025 due to reduced federal funding, including the loss of support for higher-level language instruction. Federal spending on settlement service agencies outside Quebec has been declining: $1.17 billion in 2024-25, $1.12 billion in 2025-26, with projections of $935.7 million in 2026-27 and $895 million in 2027-28.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that funding for the federal settlement program is tied to the number and mix of permanent resident admissions outlined in Ottawa's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan focuses on a return to sustainable immigration and a shift toward more economic immigrants, who tend to use settlement services less intensively. Despite decreasing immigration levels, settlement organizations remain overburdened as they work to help existing newcomers integrate and find employment.
