Language Services
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program is a formal language education initiative funded by the federal government. Designed for adult immigrants and refugees, the LINC program helps develop essential language and life skills necessary for active participation in Canadian society.
Who Can Apply?
LINC is available to:
- Permanent residents
- Newcomers with CUAET status (please note that candidates are not eligible for the program.)
Program Details
- Class Schedule: Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting 2.5 hours.
- Attendance: Clients must maintain at least 80% attendance to retain their spot in the program.
- Levels Offered:
- Online Classes: Cover levels CLB 1 through CLB 8 and are conducted in the evenings.
- In-Person Classes: Available in New Glasgow, Antigonish, and Pictou, with sessions held either in the morning or afternoon.
Learning Outcomes
The program focuses on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), using real-world tasks. Learners are assessed through Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) and other formal assessments.
Certification
Upon successful completion of the required assessments, clients can acquire a certificate. This certificate serves as evidence of language proficiency for various purposes, including citizenship applications and more.
Locations
LINC is offered in two locations outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM):
- New Glasgow
- Antigonish
- Pictou
Nianhua (Jenny) Liu
YMCA Language Coordinator
LINC ( Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax.NS B3L 2C2
Email: [email protected]
Cell : (902) 225-2287
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
YREACH Language
YREACH Language Programs are offered in multiple locations outside of HRM across the province. The YREACH Language program is for adult immigrants and refugees who need to develop the necessary language and communication skills to actively participate in Canadian society. YREACH is available to a broad range of participants with varying immigration statuses. Classes are flexible with times and days agreed upon between the instructor and participant (within capacity). These classes are usually an hour and a half to 2 hours, a couple of times per week. A language assessment is needed before being placed in a class.
The program offers the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on Canadian Language Benchmarks, using real world tasks and learners are assessed through PENS (Proficiency in English Nova Scotia), a portfolio based language program. After attending for a minimum of 3 months, and having achieved a CLB 4 in listening and speaking, a participant can obtain a certificate that can be used to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Lisa Stewart-Arsenault
YREACH (Recognizing Enhancing Aligning Community Horizons) Language Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax, NS B3L 2C2
Email: [email protected]
Cell : (902) 499-5580
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
Informal Language Learning
Through the YREACH Settlement program, newcomers can also access informal language programming. Certificates for the purpose of applying for Canadian citizenship are not offered in informal language training, nor is a language assessment needed. It may, however, provide that perfect opportunity to practice and improve language skills while waiting for a formal language class and/or just build social networks, get connected and learn new things in English. You can check out the local YREACH Settlement Program for days and times of offerings.
Susan Brennan
Active Living Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth I Centre for Immigrant Programs
104-7071 Bayer’s Road
Halifax.NS B3L 2C2
Email: [email protected]
Cell : (902) 457-6874
YMCA Centre (902) 457-9622
