As the country’s premier language education organization, Languages Canada was invited to present on the impact and importance of language programs and language education in Canada, and specifically in Toronto. “The primary purpose of this workshop was to better understand the language education sector’s valuable contribution to Toronto. Languages Canada is impressed with the City’s initiative and we will do everything we can to work with the City in supporting the sector and its growth” says Executive Director, Gonzalo Peralta.
Jagdish Yadav, Senior Advisor, Education with the Department of Economic Development & Culture, confirmed that the City is committed to working with language programs in order to provide them with valuable and meaningful support. The City of Toronto suggested that the significant difference in the growth of student enrollments in traditional academic programs and language education could present an opportunity for further growth in language school enrolment. In order to understand the opportunities and challenges, the city has set the following goals:
• Create awareness about the City programs/activities that could be relevant to language programs and vice-versa;
• Understand the needs and challenges faced by Toronto-based language programs; and
• Identify mutually beneficial opportunities and a plan for collaborative working.
To see these lists and the conversation outcomes, please click here.
The workshop concluded with the creation of two working groups, one focusing on challenges, and the other on opportunities. These groups will have their first meeting at Toronto City Hall on June 16 with members of the Department of Economic Development and Culture. Languages Canada will report on the outcome of these meetings.
