SASKATOON – Citizenship and Immigration Canada has renewed its contract with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) to help immigrants speak English.
The federal government is committing an additional $12.7 million over three years to fund SIAST’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
“Support of language instruction for newcomers at SIAST is especially important today as we strive to meet increased labour market demand in Saskatchewan’s growing economy,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, SIAST’s president and CEO.
SIAST’s Kelsey and Wascana campuses has already helped over 10,000 people with landed immigrant status settle into the English language.
The funding will provide language instruction for 2,982 new Saskatchewanians at the campuses in Regina and Saskatoon.
Not only does LINC teach listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, it also guides students entering the labour force or continuing with other post-secondary courses.
“Students have the requisite skills and qualifications to obtain gainful employment. This includes careers in mining, retail, hospitality, health care, municipal and business, to name a few,” said Maria Zalesak, Saskatoon’s LINC program head.
SIAST has been providing LINC services for 20 years.
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