Languages Canada’s Director of International Affairs attended the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) conference in Bangkok, March 11-17,2023.

With nearly 200 participants from across Canada and the world, over 30 professional development sessions and two full days of valuable networking opportunities, the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference— February 22-25, 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia—was, without a doubt, a resounding success.

Colombia was the fastest-growing market for the Canadian language education sector in 2021, making it an outstanding choice as the focus of Languages Canada’s first inbound trade mission and FAM tour of 2023. Nearly forty Colombians composed the delegation of agencies invited to Montreal and Toronto for a full week of activities this past month.

Languages Canada is thrilled to announce the Hon. Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as opening keynote speaker for the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference on Thursday, February 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax. Following the address, Languages Canada members will have the opportunity to attend a Q&A session with the Minister.

Languages Canada is pleased to announce the Hon. Lena Metlege Diab, KC, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, as special speaker for the Languages Canada 16^th Annual Conference Closing Reception on Friday, February 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m., at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax.

We are pleased to share some good news regarding Canada’s visa backlog situation.

Languages Canada held another successful Inbound Trade Mission and FAM Tour last week in Whistler, Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria BC, this time playing host to the largest delegation of Japanese education agents ever to visit Canada!

Languages Canada was honoured to receive the ST Star School Association award during the StudyTravel Star Awards 2022, held in London earlier this month.

While student numbers fell significantly, Canada's language education sector emerged from 2021 with optimism for recovery and growth into 2022. In fact, Canada gained global market share in the English Language Travel sector over the pandemic and experienced less decline in student numbers than competitor destinations.

Through the MOVA Initiative, Ukrainians making their journey to safety in Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel will have access to free or discounted English or French language courses, an integral part of successful integration in Canada.

The Languages Canada 15^th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting took place in Ottawa from March 27 to 30, 2022. Well over 100 delegates attended, including leaders from Canadian English and French language education programs as well as marketing and academic staff. Also in attendance to meet with public and private sector members were federal elected officials, provincial and federal government officials, NGOs, and other key influencers in the field of international education.

Languages Canada held an Inbound Trade Mission and FAM Tour with Mexican education agents from March 19 to 26, 2022. 32 Canadian institutions gathered at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel in Quebec City, where they showcased their programs and services to an audience of decision-makers from more than 30 of Mexico’s top education agencies as well as the Secretariat of Education of the State of Mexico.

This year’s conference, taking place March 27-30 at the Westin Ottawa Hotel, will offer members a unique opportunity to engage with parliamentarians to discuss the future of Canada’s English and French language education sector.

Languages Canada held its first inbound trade mission with Brazilian education agents from January 17 to 21, 2022. Nearly 30 Languages Canada members representing all membership segments – English, French, private, public, colleges, and universities – as well as several CAPS-I (Canadian Association of Public Schools – International) members and mission sponsors Guard.me International Insurance, Desjardins and Air Canada gathered in Lake Louise, Alberta (both in person and virtually) to showcase their programs and services to an audience of over 30 representatives from Brazil’s top education agencies.

Languages Canada is seeking a competent and experienced candidate to coordinate research projects that support the work of the association across its public affairs, international affairs, and membership functions.

Effective November 30, 2021, the Government of Canada will add Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN to the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada.

ICEF Berlin came to a close on Tuesday, November 2, after four days and over 22,500 meetings. Through a hybrid delivery model, ICEF welcomed more than 1,600 participants, with close to half coming to Germany for in-person meetings. Languages Canada was present in Berlin, represented by Diego Sanchez, Manager, International Promotion and Marketing.

IRCC's website has been updated to reflect that travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated may now enter Canada to study for 6 months or less with a valid travel document (visitor visa or electronic travel authorization [eTA]).

The 2020 Annual Report on Language Education in Canada, released today by Languages Canada, captures the reality of the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian language programs.

On Friday, the Government of Canada reconfirmed that, as of September 7, 2021, Canada's borders will reopen to fully vaccinated foreign nationals who meet entry requirements. This means that international language students, including those coming to Canada on eTAs and TRVs, may now enter the country without the requirement to quarantine for 14 days.