The English language training program has been delivered at two MCS locations (Brampton North and Mississauga West), and is conducted in 27 part-time classes that encompass courses from Literacy to CLB 7 level. The training is intended for new immigrants to Canada and is geared toward assisting them in overcoming barriers they encounter in their new country. Those barriers are lack of knowledge of the official language, lack of skills and life skills and limited knowledge of Canada. The ultimate goal of the English language training is that the participants overcome all these barriers and become contributing members of Canadian society by participating in social, cultural, civic and economic life in Canada.

Language classes funded by the Government of Canada – Canada.ca

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada has been successfully delivered by MCS since 1992. The program has been funded by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

The LINC program offers English language instruction within a broad settlement and integration perspective. Level of the classes range from Literacy to CLB Level 7. Classes focus on the development of English language in speaking, reading, writing and listening, as well as on enhancing life skills and other skills of our clients, and providing knowledge of Canadian culture and norms. The LINC program is designed to assist newcomers to Canada with their settlement and English language needs. Participants improve their English skills while learning how to successfully integrate into Canadian society. Curriculum units such as Health, Education, Employment, Canadian law and other relevant concepts are all introduced to our clients to develop effective day-to-day communication. LINC is based on CLBs (Canadian Language Benchmarks) and strictly follows the PBLA principles.

Since the beginning, the MCS LINC program has been provided in a conventional setting; in-person, and in the classroom. However, since March 2020, the LINC program has transitioned to virtual delivery due to COVID-19 pandemic. The main platforms used in online language delivery are Zoom, MS Teams, Google Classroom, Avenue.ca and ESL library.

The Care for Newcomer Children program is a supporting service offered to LINC learners’ children while their parents are in class. The CNC program is free of charge and is designed to improve children’s social skills, creativity and language skills. It accommodates children from 6 months to 6+ years of age. Children are placed in age appropriate groups where they participate in educational activities and games, sing and read stories, make arts and crafts. CNC services are carried out by qualified staff that are warm, caring and friendly. Learners can rest assured that their child are well taken care of and happy while attending the program. Since March 2020, the CNC services and support to parents and children have been successfully provided virtually via Zoom, MS Teams, Skype, FaceTime, and other online platforms.

To be eligible for the LINC/CNC program in Ontario, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada
• Convention Refugee
• GAR (Government Assisted Refuge)
• A person residing in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed and who has been informed by a letter from IRCC of the initial approval of your application, subject to an admissibility assessment (I.E having Approval-In-Principle)
• Some specific work permit holder
• Be at least 18 years old