Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - April 2012
This summer new language requirements will be implemented for those who wish to immigrate through one of Canada�s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Starting in July, those wishing to apply for immigration through PNP streams for low-skilled and semi-skilled employment will have to prove their language proficiency.
Provincial Nominee Programs allow for provincial governments to select and nominate certain workers, whose skills are deemed desirable in the local job market, to have their federal immigration application fast-tracked.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says the change is intended to address problems with the current state of the PNPs. Instead of being used specifically for labour market needs, Kenney indicated that there is concern over people using the program for reunification purposes.
Minister Kenney announced the changes during a recent visit to Saskatchewan, a province that has increasingly been seen as a successful model of PNP immigration. In 2010 Saskatchewan accepted 5,300 newcomers through their Provincial Nominee Program.
Source: Globe and Mail
