Minister wants Canadian Language Requirements enforced

Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, has come out this weekend condemning the ease with which people with poor language skills in Canada’s official languages gain citizenship in Canada. He cited meeting Canadian citizens of 15 years who could not conduct a conversation in either French or English.

Though the  Canadian language requirements are already in place with respect to Canadian citizenship applications, Kenney says they are not being enforced strictly enough, with judges informing him that some applicants are approved with little evidence of language ability.  Kenney hopes to restructure the immigration process in a way that is stricter to ensure that citizenship applicants are able to speak French or English and meet Canadian language requirements, as well as to ease the process with which foreign credentials are accepted.

Build your skills to meet Canadian language requirements

There are currently numerous government paid English and French learning facilities in many community centers around the country that can help applicants strengthen their language skills before making an application in order to meet Canadian language requirements.

The trend obviously is a tightening up on language skills for both immigration and citizenship. Canada is indeed a multicultural country. However, government officials and I suspect many Canadians still subscribe to the notion of the cultural “melting pot”,  at least when it comes to language.

For more information about Canadian Citizenship Applications, Canadian language requirements or Immigration applications call Niren and Associates Immigration Lawyers at 416 410 7484

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