Teachers of English as a Second Language Association of Ontario 27 Carlton Street, Suite 405, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1L2 Telephone (416) 593-4243 Fax (416) 593-0164 Email: teslontario@telus.net

November 5, 2004

Mr. Pierre Gaulin
Director, Settlement/ Port of Entry
Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
130 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1500
Toronto, ON M5H 3P5

Dear Mr. Gaulin,

The Board of the Ontario Association of Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) is writing to express its concern regarding changes in funding guidelines for Language Instruction to Newcomers to Canada (LINC).

TESL represents professionals working in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) in all sectors, but the greatest proportion identify themselves with LINC programmes. These may be provided by school boards, community organizations, colleges or private providers.

Our Board is very concerned that the new guidelines put forth will seriously erode the quality of programmes that our professional members have been providing since LINC began. The recommendations, if implemented, will most certainly affect the morale of teachers and instructors who are passionate about what they do.

Many of our members will be affected by the salary caps, either by wage cuts, or by loss of jobs if their organization discontinues its LINC programme. Similarly, the many community organizations and school boards that have established strong strategic partnerships to ensure the delivery of excellent programmes to their LINC clients, may now choose to sever these relationships.

We also draw your attention to the recommendations that would see a drastic reduction in transportation allowances and the elimination of funding for field trips. In reducing transportation allocations you are disenfranchising large numbers of LINC students who will no longer be able to access classes. This is particularly true in areas where there are fewer providers. By withdrawing financial support for field trips, CIC is reducing the opportunity for our learners – your clients – to enrich their learning with real-life experiences beyond the classroom.

Our organization would be pleased to participate in a dialogue with CIC to discuss ways in which our concerns might be addressed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Barb Krukowski
President, TESL Ontario
Email: krukowskib@thecentre.on.ca