Masih Sabet, a volunteer in Richmond, British Columbia, has taught English for free to more than 1,000 newcomers [1].
This grassroots effort has become a critical resource for immigrants following the federal government's decision to end funding for intermediate language courses. Without these subsidized programs, many newcomers face significant barriers to achieving professional-level fluency.
Sabet began his teaching efforts in 2017 [1]. He identified a systemic failure in the settlement process that left students stranded after completing basic training.
"I started these classes in 2017 because I saw a gap in support for newcomers who had already completed the basic settlement language program," Sabet said.
The need for such volunteer services increased after the federal government ended funding for intermediate language courses in September 2024 [1]. This policy shift removed a primary pathway for students to transition from basic communication to the advanced English required for many Canadian workplaces.
An immigration services representative said the loss of federal funding means many newcomers will struggle to improve their English beyond the beginner level.
Sabet continues to operate his classes to fill this void, providing a bridge for those who cannot afford private tuition. His work highlights the disparity between the federal government's immigration targets and the available infrastructure for long-term integration.
“Masih Sabet has taught English for free to more than 1,000 newcomers.”
The reliance on individual volunteers to provide essential integration services suggests a disconnect between Canada's immigration intake and its investment in human capital. When federal funding for intermediate language training is removed, the burden of integration shifts from the state to community volunteers, potentially slowing the economic integration of newcomers into the workforce.
