For over a decade, IPALS (Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters) has helped immigrant and refugee families across British Columbia support their children’s early literacy development and build stronger connections to their communities. In December, we learned that the federal government was cutting a number of immigrant support services, including IPALS.

IPALS is now at risk—and we have launched the “Help Save IPALS” campaign to protect this program.

Why IPALS Matters

IPALS is a family literacy program. Decoda, like other literacy organizations believe family literacy is about families learning together through daily activities at home and in the community. Supporting family literacy, especially for newcomers, is vital in creating inclusive, empowered communities where every family has the opportunity to succeed.

This program has provided over 4,500 newcomer parents and caregivers the opportunity to improve their language and literacy skills while helping their young children with early literacy activities, supporting their successful integration into Canadian society. This bilingual program is offered in 19 communities across B.C. in partnership with school districts, settlement organizations, local community organizations and libraries.

The program provides families with essential literacy support, giving parents the tools to help their children learn, grow, and succeed. Through books, materials, training, childcare, and transportation support, IPALS ensures that newcomer families have equitable access to education and community resources.

Without immediate action, many families will lose access to this critical support system.

Our Response

Since learning about these funding cuts, we have taken swift action to protect this vital program:

• Launched the “Help Save IPALS” campaign with media releases and outreach.
• Engaged with decision-makers, writing to Minister Marc Miller, MPs, and MLAs.
• Secured media coverage in the Vancouver Sun, CBC, Global News, and local newspapers.
• Worked with communities to explore ways to continue the program with limited resources.

 Full list of Media Coverage

• Abbotsford News
• Aldergrove Star
• Asia Pacific Coast
• Burnaby Beacon
• CBC News
• CBC News (TV)
• Fraser Valley Today
• Global News (Audio starts at 19:24)
• Langley Advance Times
• Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News
• New Westminster Record
• North Delta Reporter
• Peace Arch News
• Richmond Sentinel
• Surrey Now-Leader
• The Chilliwack Progress
• Vancouver Sun

Current Update

Currently, five IPALS sites in Surrey, Nanaimo, Victoria, and Mission have the capacity to run programs for 120 parents and children, but without additional funding, these programs cannot fully operate. More support is urgently needed to keep IPALS available for families who depend on it.

How You Can Help

To ensure families continue to receive support, we are working to raise $40,000 by September. This funding will provide:

• Books and learning materials
• Facilitators and training
• Childcare support
• Transportation assistance
• Snacks for participants

Ways to Make a Difference

Donate today: Every dollar helps.

Raise your voice: Contact elected officials and urge them to restore funding for IPALS.

Share a message of support

Spread the message on social media like Facebook and Instagram