16 April, 2012

Language tests for immigrant workers

Thousands of new immigrant workers will require basic language skills, federal Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenny has announced.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday at Morris Industries Ltd., Kenny said low-and medium-skilled workers applying to the provincial immigration nominee program will undergo mandatory English or French language testing. The cost of the tests will be paid by the applicant or his or her prospective employer. The changes take effect July 1 and will not affect workers already approved before then.

More than 38,000 workers and their families came to Canada last year through the program, which gives the provinces and territories a greater say in immigration in a bid to fill gaps in their local labour markets.

It's also helped spread out the immigrant population as more and more people have been choosing to settle outside traditionally popular provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. An economic boom in Saskatchewan, for example, has seen the program grow to 5,354 immigrants in 2010 compared to 173 in 2003.

Kenny lauded the work of the Saskatchewan government and Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris. Kenny said there is an "economic revolution" occurring in the province, in part due to the improved immigration policies of both levels of government.

"It is great to see this province humming with energy," Kenny said.

Norris said he welcomed Ottawa's new language requirements. He said it will be good for the Saskatchewan economy, but also for the workers. He said it will ensure safer workplaces, higher wages and improved chances of success for immigrants in Saskatchewan society.

Norris said immigration is just one piece of the economic strategy. He said the government also places a high priority on improving the education, training and employment of Saskatchewan aboriginal people. He noted there have been 10 consecutive months of increases in aboriginal employment in Saskatchewan.

"It's not either-or," he said. "We're very pleased, (but) there's a lot more to do."

Source www.thestarphoenix.com.