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Canada
Learning
English or French
There
are two official languages in Canada -- English and French. Almost
everyone in Canada speaks at least one of these languages and
millions of Canadians speak both. There are anglophone and
francophone communities in every province and territory. English is
the language of the majority everywhere in Canada, except in the
province of Quebec where French is the official language. French is
spoken in many communities in other provinces, especially New
Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba. New Brunswick is an officially
bilingual province.
One
of the most important skills you will need to adapt to life here in
Canada is to speak English or French. Once you learn one or both of
these languages, you will find it easier to get a job, to understand
Canada, and to communicate with your children, who will be busy
learning English or French at school. You will also need to know
English or French to become a Canadian citizen.
There
are many language courses available, and many of them are free.
Sometimes these courses are called "ESL" for English as a
Second Language courses, or "FSL," for French as a Second
Language courses.
Language
Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
The
Government of Canada, in cooperation with provincial governments,
school boards, community colleges, and immigrant-serving
organizations, offers free language training across the country to
adult permanent residents. In most provinces, the name of the
program is LINC. (In French this program is known as CLIC, for Cours
de langue pour les immigrants au Canada.) LINC can also assess your
current language skills, to find out which training program would be
best for you.
LINC
offers both full- and part-time classes, to suit your needs. Most
LINC centres can also refer you to other non-LINC classes in your
area, and some offer free childcare while you attend classes.
Remember,
language classes are available for all the adults in your family,
not just the person who may be looking for work.
To
find out more...
To
find out where you can get LINC classes in your area, you will find
a listing of LINC assessment centres in the pamphlet called Language
Training, in the back pocket of this guide. You could also
contact your local immigrant-serving organization. They will likely
refer you to a LINC assessment centre, which will then refer you to
organizations offering LINC classes. You might also want to
telephone your local school board directly to find out about classes
in your community.
Most
universities and community colleges also offer language classes, as
well as some private language schools and community organizations.
You can contact these groups directly for more information. Remember
to ask about fees, since these courses may not be free.
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