Dear Minister Miller,
Subject: Targeted Funding for Language Support of English Language Learner Students
At the British Columbia School Trustees Association’s 2024 annual general meeting, our
members, representing all 60 boards of education in B.C., passed the following resolution:
“That the BCSTA advocate to the federal government for targeted funding, provided to the
province and distributed to school districts to support programs for new immigrant and refugee
students who are English and/or French Language Learners.”
As you know, Canada continues to experience rising immigration levels, bringing many school aged
children who do not speak English or French into communities throughout British
Columbia. While we celebrate the diversity these new families bring, we are also aware of their
struggles in settling into their new lives. Specifically, these young students often need more than
language lessons; many require counseling and additional educational supports to succeed.
Unfortunately, the current funding levels do not meet these needs, leaving gaps that can impede
their development.
Boards of education make it a priority to ensure that children feel welcomed and supported so
they can thrive in their new schools, and increased support is necessary to meet these needs.
At this time, we call on the federal government to provide targeted funding to the province
focused for use in school districts in ways that will directly address the unique challenges faced
by new immigrant and refugee students.
Investing in these young people is part of investing in Canada’s future, and I thank you for
considering this request.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Broady
President
British Columbia School Trustees Association
Advocacy: Targeted Funding for Support of English Language Learners
