If you are new to Canada, the Y has programs to help you transition into your new community.

YMCA Westmount Education Centre offers English Language Classes.

Language Skills Program
Classes are free of charge
Care for Newcomer Children is available at this site
All classes include skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) courses:

Literacy: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Literacy: Monday – Friday 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Reading & Writing CLB’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6:    Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Listening & Speaking CLB’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6:    Monday – Friday 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*Evening class include all skills (Monday- Thursday)
Literacy, CLB 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5:   Monday – Thursday  6:00p.m.- 8:30p.m.

Dalal's Y Story

“The YMCA has been my second home since I came to Canada. It’s where I found people interested in helping me and who cared about my goals. I have gone through a lot of hardships since my arrival to the new country and I felt alone, isolated and afraid for the future. In the past 6 years, the YMCA and its team were here for me. I have walked baby steps to learn the English language, but at one point I couldn’t improve it more; I have attended many sessions and activities just to stay involved in my community and learn more about my new home. Two years ago, I applied for my Canadian citizenship and It was not successful, the test was so hard for me. But after three attempts to pass the test, I needed someone to walk with me and encourage me to take the test again for the fourth time before I dropped everything. The YMCA Newcomers services assisted me another time and… I just did the test and I passed it. This was the best time of my life; it was actually mixed with tears of joy and pride. I was able to achieve my goal with the encouragement of the people who witnessed my citizenship journey in Canada.” 

- Dalal M.