The Canadian minister announced new requirements for migrants at the immigration conference held in Calgary.
There is undoubtedly a grain of truth in this proposal. Those living in Canada, and especially its citizens, must be proficient in one of the country's official languages. The question is only at what level, and most importantly, how to achieve this. And there are doubts that Jason Kenney clearly knows how to solve this issue. Here we see only the minister's desire to limit immigration to Canada. Suffice it to recall the introduction of a list of 38 priority occupations, and the organization of preliminary scanning of applications at a single center in Sydney.
It is also worth recalling Jason Kenney's proposal to reduce the number of immigrant visas issued under the Skilled Worker category. Yet Canada, with the second largest territory in the world, has only 32 million people, and the influx of new immigrants is a vital process for it. Such an initiative looks quite strange, especially considering that it is under the Skilled Worker category that the most prepared and educated people come to Canada, having passed a rigorous check on all parameters, including reliability and health. If visas are to be granted, then primarily to this category, as the most beneficial for Canada. All other categories are to a much greater extent ways for undesirable elements to enter Canada.
It is no secret that under the Family class category, through fictitious marriages, people come to Canada who have no chance under Skilled Worker, as they have neither education, nor a sought-after profession, nor knowledge of English or French (under Skilled Worker language proficiency is not required). The same applies to refugees. Therefore, initiatives to reduce quotas for those who qualify under the Skilled Worker category, i.e., those best prepared for successful adaptation in Canada, seem strange.
The second point that raises questions in Jason Kenney's statement: how do they plan to ensure an increase in the level of proficiency in one of the official languages among newly arriving immigrants? It is no secret that many immigrants do not have the opportunity to attend language courses because from the first days they are concerned with finding a job and caring for their family. The only way out that would allow immigrants to raise their language proficiency is mandatory effective English or French language courses with payment of a stipend on which their family could live.
Finally, the very formulation of the question that immigrants must be forced to learn a language so that they can find a decent job sounds very strange and has nothing to do with obtaining citizenship. Undoubtedly, good command of English or French is the key to successful integration into Canadian society. But if a person wants to get a better job, if they want to achieve something in Canada, if they understand that language proficiency will make life easier, then they will learn the language. If they do not need it in everyday life, or their abilities do not allow them to master the language at the required level, then making citizenship dependent on it is quite unfair. After all, a good citizen is not one who is fluent in one of the official languages, but one who benefits the country, is law-abiding, and strives to make Canada their home.
It is no secret that many first-generation immigrants are far from the highest level of English or French. This is largely not their fault, and they themselves suffer from it, getting by on low-paying jobs, living isolated in their communities, having problems communicating with other residents of Canada. But these people, through their work, benefit Canada, are law-abiding residents, and build a foundation for their family. The old American truth that 'immigrants are the manure for rising generations' has largely lost its original meaning. However, statistics confirm that the children of immigrants achieve greater success in life than the children of native-born Canadians.
Finally, Jason Kenney for some reason did not take into account that those who immigrate under the Skilled Worker category take a fairly difficult language exam (IELTS and/or TEF). Perhaps it would be wiser to introduce such an exam for some categories under Family Class (e.g., spouses) and for refugees.
Most likely, the requirements for knowledge of English and French will be tightened. It can be assumed that the changes will primarily affect the Skilled Worker category. Jason Kenney emphasized that they plan to give more points for language proficiency.
Therefore, in this situation, one piece of advice can be given: pay special attention to learning English or French, do not spare time and effort. Not only success in finding employment in Canada and the degree of comfort living in the country depend on this, but also success in passing the immigration process.
Elena Ryabinina.
Russian Toronto