New immigrants must be employable, have ‘language proficienc

[styky]

New immigrants must be employable, have ‘language proficiency’: Jason Kenney

Tristin Hopper Mar 19, 2012 – 8:46 PM ET | Last Updated: Mar 19, 2012 8:48 PM ET
By targeting younger and more language-proficient immigrants, a “transformational” package of immigration reforms promises to end the “vicious circle of unemployment” for newcomers, says Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

“For too long the story of immigration to Canada has been summed up by the frustration of the highly trained professional who arrived with the expectation of being able to work at his or her skill level,” he said, addressing the Canadian Club of Toronto on Monday.

“We’re going to stop this practice of inviting highly trained people to come to Canada if they don’t have jobs or they’re not likely to succeed in the labour market.”

In advance of the March 29 federal budget, Mr. Kenney was in Toronto to announce immigration reforms aimed at boosting economic growth. “We’ll be reforming our immigration programs to do more in ensuring that our historic openness to newcomers works to fuel prosperity in Canada,” said Mr. Kenney.

Among the changes proposed: adjusting the points system for Federal Skilled Workers; focusing on skilled tradespeople; and boosting the minimum amount required for investor immigrants, which stands at $800,000. Canada needs to get the “biggest bang for its buck” in attracting investor-immigrants, said Mr. Kenney.

Once the changes take effect, all applicants to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will undergo pre-assessment of their credentials to ensure they are a good fit for the Canadian market.

Language proficiency will take precedence. “The number one factor for success in immigrants is language proficiency. No point in bringing folks here if they don’t have language proficiency,” said Mr. Kenney.

The points system is being changed to allow a skilled labourer, such as a welder, to enter the country with less English or French than a regulated professional, such as a doctor or veterinarian.......................http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03/19 ... on-kenney/

[styky]

Hello, bonjour: language tests to become mandatory for some immigrants

By: The Canadian Press

Posted: 11:59 AM | Comments: 35 (including replies)

SASKATOON - Some immigrants hoping to say hello or bonjour to Canada are now going to have to prove they actually know how to say it.

Starting this July, certain people immigrating under the provincial nominee program will face language testing.

The tests will be mandatory for those applying for semi- and low-skilled jobs and will assess listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney made the announcement in Saskatchewan, which took in over 5,300 immigrants under the provincial nominee program in 2010.

The program allows provinces to cherry-pick immigrants they want to meet labour needs but Kenney says there's concern that it's also being used to unite families.

He says he intends to work more closely with provinces to ensure that stops.

The new requirement is one of a number of changes to the immigration system discussed in last month's federal budget.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada ... 08755.html

[RedDog]

I had what I think was a punjabi call me Wednesday evening and the only words I understood over the phone were "Jablonksi" and "PC Party". I think it had something to do with the election and I suppose I'm on the membership list as a result of voting for Ted Morton so they had my number. The individual on the phone should not be in this country. Or... maybe it's me that shouldn't be in this country. One of us is in the wrong place.

[troubleinutopia]

Isn't it incredible that the gov is just figuring this out now?

[troubleinutopia]

Does this mean Canada has, for many years, been importing unemployment. If so, why?

[fourhorses]

again ...

why does canada need more immigrants ?

[styky]

Temp workers need to pass English test to stay

By Tom Godfrey, QMI Agency

Last Updated: April 21, 2012 6:17pm
TORONTO - Temporary low-skilled workers will need to pass English language tests in order to remain in Canada.

Exercise jockey Wilbert Gobay is among dozens of temporary workers like horse walkers, groomers and trainers at Woodbine Racetrack who’ve failed the test and fear losing their contracts and being sent home.

Gobay, 46, has been travelling to Woodbine from his native Jamaica to work as a jockey for 10-months of the year since 2008. He plans on becoming a permanent resident and sponsoring his family, but he must prove he can speak either English or French.

Starting in July, those deemed by Canadian immigration authorities as low-skilled workers under a Provincial Nominee Program are required to take and pass English reading, writing, speaking and listening tests.

Only then can they can obtain or renew their visa or become permanent residents of Canada.

The three-hour $255 test is required for seasonal farm workers, those in the construction trades, fast food, hospitality and many other low-paying jobs that Canadians won’t perform.

“I am from an English-speaking country and I still failed,” Gobay said. “I cannot become a permanent resident or citizen until I pass this test.”

Gobay said a pass means he can move up the ladder to become a race-day jockey and earn more money.

“I truly don’t know anyone here that has passed the test,” he said. “We have jockeys here from around the world and we are all in the same boat.”

Fellow jockey Fitz Lewis, 45, of Jamaica, said he has been studying for the exam.

“They tell me the test is very hard,” Lewis said. “I have been trying to brush up and do some reading.”

He said the process brings undue stress to those who may lack English skills.

Jockey Richard Reid, 38, of Jamaica, said he’s been travelling to Canada yearly to work since 2005.

“I am very disappointed by not getting a passing grade,” Reid said of a failed test. “I have been studying hard and wanted to bring my family here by now.”

Groomer Michael Reid, 48, said he’s hitting the books to get a grasp on the language.

“I will be studying hard,” Reid said. “It is difficult but I have to do my best to pass this.”

Roy Kellogg, an immigration consultant who represents Gobay, said the men may have no other choice but to rewrite the failed exam.

“I don’t understand the purpose of the test because these guys only speak to horses all day,” Kellogg said. “Why do workers have to know how to speak English if they come here to pick fruit or pluck chickens.”

Kellogg said potential workers won’t have the money or resources at home to travel to a centre to obtain language approval for a visa to Canada.

“We are going to lose a lot of our low-skilled workers because of this,” he said. “There will be a shortage of workers and I can see prices rising.”

Woodbine Racetrack officials said they were aware of the issue and refused comment.

Other trades requiring English-language tests include chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers, contractors, machinists, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, masonry, librarians, photographers and museum workers.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/canada/2012 ... 63011.html

[fourhorses]

Gobay, 46, has been travelling to Woodbine from his native Jamaica to work as a jockey for 10-months of the year since 2008. He plans on becoming a permanent resident and sponsoring his family, but he must prove he can speak either English or French.

It is now 2012
10 mos / year since '08
coming from Jamaica
can't speak English ?


I call bullsh*t

[styky]

Language skills the target of Canadian citizenship reform

Robin Levinson May 24, 2012 – 9:15 AM ET
People applying for Canadian citizenship must now provide “objective evidence” that they can not only read, but actually communicate in English or French. If they don’t have a diploma from an English or French school, they will have to either pass a language test or take government-approved language classes.

Proving your language skills comes at a high cost for the applicant. One of the only standardized English tests currently accepted by the government, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), costs between $265 and $285 to write.

The biggest tab, however, is picked up by taxpayers. The government estimates the program will cost $110-million to implement. While the new policy should save money by reducing costly court hours and improving the language skills of new citizens, there is still a loss of $1.7-million a year.

Joshua Sohn, an immigration lawyer, is worried that this cost outweighs the problem.

“It’s a laudable goal to have clarity in language testing,” Sohn said. “But is it truly addressing a problem?”..............http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/24 ... ip-reform/

[WestViking]

Does this mean Canada has, for many years, been importing unemployment. If so, why?

Yes we have been allowing unemployables to immigrate under the provincial nominee program. The reason is votes in provincial and federal elections, not just votes by the unemployed, but votes by their families and their ethnic communities. Elections Canada has finally been called on the carpet for not checking immigrants for eligibility at the voting polls in a Toronto riding. That is one of the worst kept secrets of Liberal election success for many years.

[styky]

New immigration system puts greater emphasis on language, age
The end of foreign doctors and PHDs driving our taxi cabs could soon be nigh.

According to the Toronto Star, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has revamped the immigration point grid it's used for the past 10 years to judge skilled-immigrant applications..................http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-p ... 56149.html

[RedDog]

Why not employ this and a great many more tests BEFORE admission? Once in you never get rid of them.

What's become of the 600 highly skilled Sri Lankan doctors, engineers and scientists on that freighter we virtually threw a welcome party for at Esquimalt?

[drummer]

Why not employ this and a great many more tests BEFORE admission? Once in you never get rid of them.

That's exactly what Immigration Canada is implementing. The language test score requirement is now part of the scoring system for admission. Starting next year it will be very hard to immigrate to Canada without either a high language proficiency, or a job offer in an in-demand profession and validated by Human Resource Canada. They are also modifying the list of professions to bring in more trades people than university graduates.

[styky]

Canada’s new immigration rules put premium on young people

BILL CURRY

OTTAWA — The Globe and Mail

Published Tuesday, Aug. 21 2012, 9:24 PM EDT

Last updated Tuesday, Aug. 21 2012, 9:28 PM EDT
New immigration rules will target workers aged 18 to 35 as the Conservative government provides the clearest sense yet of how Canada will rely on young immigrants to soften the fiscal pain of a demographic crunch.

The federal regulations reveal a sweeping overhaul of the points system used by Canada for approving foreign worker applications.

The new points grid provides details that are in line with previous government pledges to gear the immigration system toward younger workers with strong language skills in English or French who already have a job lined up in Canada.

Under new rules that will take effect next year, workers aged 47 and over will receive no points for age, compared with 12 for those between 18 and 35, the most coveted age group under the Federal Skilled Worker Class of immigrants.

The available points for applicants decreases by one for each year above 35........................http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/pol ... le4492594/

[styky]

Youth and language proficiency new must haves for would-be immigrants


By Stephanie Levitz, The Canadian Press December 19, 2012 7:05 AM


OTTAWA - The points system used to decide who can immigrate to Canada is getting a makeover.

The new judging criteria for the federal skilled worker program will award more points to younger immigrants and changes the way the government looks at work experience and education.

The way points are allocated for language ability will also change.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is set to unveil the details of the new system today.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Y ... z2FVer0b00