English is not the first language for many Canadian citizens and 17 post-secondary schools in B.C. now have a mandate to improve those skills free of charge to students.
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are now tuition-free as a result of a new provincial program that gives Canadian citizens access to the same free language classes already available to new immigrants.
B.C. residents will also have free access to WelcomeBC's English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) program in communities all over the province, including at CNC.
"We want to make sure all British Columbians have the adult education opportunities they need to find jobs, raise families, participate in their communities and fulfill their dreams," said B.C.Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto.
"This investment will help Canadian citizens and Canadian-born residents whose first language is not English improve their English language skills in order to move on to higher levels of education, skills and trades training and employment."
In 2010-11, 8,800 domestic students took part in full-time ESL classes at B.C. post-secondary schools, but it cost them an average $2,300.
"Creating tuition-free ESL for Canadian citizens removes a potential barrier on their pathway to success, because the sooner someone whose first language is not English can improve their language skills, the sooner they can become full participants in the community and in employment," said Tanis Sawkins, a faculty member in the professional and career English department at Vancouver Community College.
