The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program helps newcomers gain confidence and improve their English to settle in the community.
Class Topics
Taught by Certified Instructors, the program will build English language skills to do everyday tasks like talking to others, buying food and asking for help. Topics include:
- family health and safety
- education & employment
- shopping
- using the telephone
- banking and paying bills
- community and government services
- Canadian law and culture
Frequently Asked Questions
To join the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, you must first go to the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) and they will give you a test that helps place you into the correct English language program.
WELARC
400-275 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
204.943.5387
[email protected]
You can take government-funded classes to improve your language skills in English or French if you are an adult:
- permanent resident,
- CUAET visa holder, or
- protected person.
Children and youth will learn English and French at school. Find additional details about free services available to help newcomers.
Two programs (CLB FL-2 and CLB 3-5) offer Care for Newcomer Children. The programs that include child care are specifically for those who have children between 6 months to 5 years old and require child care in order to attend class. Once you no longer need child care or your children reach school age, you will be referred to another LINC program. Care for Newcomer Children operates 8:30am to 11:30 am, Tuesday to Friday, based on the class schedule.
About your Child’s Care
Our Care for Newcomer Children program provides a safe and nurturing environment for your children while you attend language classes. Children are supported in all areas of their development (physical, social, cognitive, emotional and linguistic). We celebrate the unique strengths and characteristics of your child while they explore language and culture.
All child minding staff:
- are qualified to work with children
- have up-to-date first aid training
- have had criminal record checks to ensure they are legally allowed to work with children
For questions about Care for Newcomer Children, contact the CNC Supervisor, Cynthia Melquist, at [email protected].
Classes are held at our Downtown branch at 301 Vaughan Street during the school year (September to June). Classes do not run during school breaks.
CLB FL - 2 | 9 to 11 a.m. | Tuesday-Friday | This class offers child care and prioritizes parents of children between 6 months and 5 years. |
| CLB 3 - CLB 5 | 9 to 11 a.m. | Tuesday-Friday | This class offers child care and prioritizes parents of children between 6 months and 5 years. |
| CLB 3 - CLB 4 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Tuesday-Friday | No child care available |
| CLB 2 - CLB 3 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Monday-Friday | No child care available |
| CLB 4 - CLB 5 | 7 to 9 p.m. | Monday-Friday | No child care available |
The classes are close to all bus stops at Portage Place Shopping Centre, including buses 11, 21, 22, 24, 25, 40, 41, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 67 and 68.
Contact our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program at 204.947.3044 ext. 2560
