Contact Your MLA and MP

Make your voice heard! Many emails, letters, and calls to MLAs can highlight the urgency of this issue and show how much the community values ESL education. Share your concerns about the closure of the School of Global Access and urge your MLA to take action. Copy Minister Sawhney in your email to double your impact. 

Sharing your own personal message can be very powerful; we have included a form letter here to use as a guide, or copy and paste into your email for your convenience.

Find out who your MLA is here. 

Minister Sawhney's email is:  advanced.education.minister@gov.ab.ca 

Dear [MLA's Name],

Re: Urgent Appeal to Reverse the Closure of the School of Global Access at Bow Valley College

I’m reaching out to share my concerns about Bow Valley College’s decision to close the School of Global Access (SGA) and its English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. This move impacts hundreds of people in our community and beyond, and I believe it deserves urgent attention.

At the time of closure, 1,300 students were enrolled in the ESL program, with another 1,000 newcomers waiting for their chance to start. Without this program, these individuals lose the opportunity to continue their education, integrate into Canadian society, and build better futures for themselves and their families. For many, this program is a lifeline.

On top of that, over 120 instructors and staff members have lost their jobs, at a time when economic challenges are already facing our province. Decades of expertise and innovation in ESL education, which have made SGA well-known and respected across Canada, will also be lost.

While I understand financial pressures due to reduced federal funding, I find it unacceptable that Bow Valley College has decided to close such an important program without proper consultation with the people who rely on it—students, staff, and the wider community.

I’m asking you to step in and advocate for the reversal of this decision. Please work with Minister Rajan Sawhney, and ensure Bow Valley College fulfills its responsibility to serve our community. We need this program to remain accessible for the many Albertans who depend on it.

This is not just about students and staff—this closure impacts Calgary and our province as a whole. I’m counting on your leadership to help preserve access to ESL education in Alberta.

Thank you for taking the time to address this important issue. I look forward to hearing how you plan to help.

Sincerely,  

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your City, Province, Postal Code]

Sharing your own personal message can be very powerful; we have included a form letter here to use as a guide, or copy and paste into your email for your convenience.

 Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Support ESL Programs and Bow Valley College

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am deeply concerned about the recent cuts to immigration settlement funding, including the planned cessation of funding for Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Stage 2 and higher after March 2025. These programs are vital for newcomers, helping them integrate into Canadian society, secure meaningful employment, and support their families.

Closer to home, Bow Valley College in Calgary has announced the closure of its School of Global Access due to these funding reductions. This decision impacts over 1,300 current students, 1,000 newcomers waiting to enroll, and more than 120 instructors and staff. The discontinuation of these programs will profoundly affect individuals, limiting their opportunities and support, and weakening our workforce and social cohesion.

I urge the federal government to restore funding for all stages of CLB language training and recognize language education as a critical investment in Canada’s future. As my Member of Parliament, I ask you to advocate for these programs and raise this issue with Minister Rachel Bendayan, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing how you plan to support this cause.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your City, Province, Postal Code]