Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - March 2009
Speaking at an immigration conference last week in Calgary, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney called for more rigorous enforcement of immigration language policies.
�I believe one area that we can ask immigrants in the country to make a greater effort [in] is that of language,� said Kenney while stressing the importance of newcomer integration.
When applying for their permanent residency, immigrants are tested on their skills in one of Canada�s official languages. However, Kenney says that too many people are making it through the system without a basic competency in either English or French.
�All I can say is if someone can�t conduct an interview in English or French they don�t have basic competences,� said Kenney. �I have citizenship judges tell me that frequently people are given a pass even if they don�t have that ability.�
However, critics such as the New Democratic Party�s MP Olivia Chow, say that such a stance may be too harsh and could hinder the immigration efforts of otherwise qualified potential citizens.
�If the government is saying if you�re not fluent in English or French then you can�t be citizens, I have a real problem with that,� said Chow, adding that more government funding could be put toward language classes to help new immigrants improve their skills.
Source: Globe and Mail
