Fort St. John Literacy Society loses around $160K grant but plans new April fundraisers

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Literacy Society has been forced to reduce its programs after losing an estimated $160,000 in funding from the federal government. 

This is equivalent to roughly half of the society’s funding, according to the society’s board chair L. J. Lawson, who would prefer to go by her initials. 

The funding was provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The IRCC funding allowed the society to provide English as a secondary language (ESL) training for new immigrants.

“It’s a federal government decision, immigration is a big political issue right now, but essentially, their thoughts are with reduced immigration, they’ll need fewer services for newcomers,” said Lawson. 

Lawson says the decision affects the society and many other programs across Canada. 

“Come April 1st, the level of services across Canada for newcomers will be significantly reduced,” said Lawson. 

The society will still be able to provide ESL training for temporary foreign workers due to funding from the provincial government. 

Lawson says she and the board are committed to improving literacy in Fort St. John despite the lost funding. 

“Our board and staff are doing everything that we can to figure out how to overcome this challenge,” said Lawson. 

To compensate for the lost funds, the society will hold fundraising events in April, such as its first annual Ship and Spell spelling bee on April 24th at the Lido Theatre—an adult spelling bee to determine the best spellers in Fort St. John.

According to Lawson, the society will also hold a 50/50 draw throughout April, with the winner receiving a cash prize. 

“We’ll have tickets available for $10 each, and we’re looking to raise $10,000, so the winner would also get $10,000. Those will be sold through the month of April,” said Lawson. 

More information about the Fort St. John Literacy Society and its events, including a math workshop in March, can be found on its website.