Community-focused Language Is Identity: FPCBP Responds to the TCDSB’s Decision to Remove the International Languages Program

Toronto, Ontario | March 28, 2026

Statement from the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals (FPCBP) on the Decision by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) on the elimination of the International Languages program in elementary schools

The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals is deeply concerned and disappointed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s (TCDSB) recent decision to remove the International Languages Elementary (ILE) program from the regular school day, effective September 2026.

For over 50 years, this program has played a vital role in the educational and cultural development of thousands of students in Toronto’s Catholic schools. It has allowed young Luso-Canadian children — along with students from Italian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and other communities — to learn and maintain their heritage language while strengthening their connection to their roots, family, and identity. These weekly classes during instructional time have been instrumental in preserving our language and culture across generations in the Greater Toronto Area.

Moving the program exclusively to an optional Saturday format will create significant barriers for many families. It reduces accessibility, places an additional burden on working parents, and risks lower enrollment, ultimately weakening the transmission of the Portuguese language and culture to our youth. This change also results in the loss of approximately 77 dedicated instructor positions, many of whom have served our community with passion and expertise.

The Portuguese-Canadian community has long contributed to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Toronto and is respected and recognized for it. We believe that supporting heritage language education is not a luxury — it is an investment in inclusive, well-rounded education that benefits all students by promoting cognitive development, cultural awareness, and global competencies.

We call on the TCDSB, the provincially appointed supervisor, and the Ontario Ministry of Education to:

• Reconsider this decision and, where possible, restore the International Languages program to the regular school week.
• Engage in meaningful consultation with affected communities, including the Portuguese-Canadian community, to work on a different solution.
• If the decision is not reversed, at least ensure that any transition to Saturday programming is adequately resourced and promoted so that Portuguese classes remain viable and accessible.

The FPCBP stands ready to collaborate with the TCDSB, other community organizations, and parents to find solutions that protect this important program. We urge all Luso-Canadian families, businesses, and organizations to voice their concerns respectfully but firmly to the Board.

Our children’s connection to their Portuguese heritage must not be treated as optional. Language is identity. Culture is continuity. We will continue to advocate strongly for the preservation and strengthening of Portuguese language education in our schools.