Want to become Canada citizens? Speak French or English

Canada, 21st April: Immigrants wanting to gain Canada citizenship must furnish written proof of their ability to speak either English or French.

This is a part of the latest reform to be introduced by Canada immigration department-CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada).

Objective language proof for Canada citizenship—Speaking about the changes to Canada immigration rules for foreigners, Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney said aspirants of Canada citizenship will now need to provide evidence of their ability to speak English or French along with Canada citizenship application.

Justifying the new Canada immigration ruling, Kenney said he has met several Canadian citizens who have been living in Canada for a number of years. But, even after living in Canada for a long period, they are unable to express themselves in English or French.

And this is something that is not acceptable since language inefficiencies not only poses difficulties in day-to-day living for immigrants but also restricts their social mobility, he affirmed.

New documents for Canada citizenship—So, immigrants aspiring to become Canada citizens will now be required to provide proof of following—

• Post-secondary or secondary education in French or English;

• Evidence of success in language training programs funded by government; or

• Results of approved language tests by third-party. Such proof of linguistic skills of prospective Canada citizens aims to make sure that all those joining to become Canadian family members in the coming times are successful in participation in Canadian society and way of life, Kenney informed.

Language integral to integration of immigrants, new Canada citizens—Language proficiency is an integral part of successful settlement of new Canada citizens and immigrants, stated Kenney during a speech in Montreal.

Possessing language proficiency in French or English was a condition since the Citizenship Act-1947 and the new regulations introduced in Canada immigration are aimed to reinforce this ruling.

A fact worth mentionable here is that Canada government has already launched several language training programs for Canada permanent residents absolutely free of cost.

Protest against new requirement for Canada citizenship—New Canada immigration regulation asking for language proficiency proof (in English or French) has invited wrath and criticism among immigrants. A group of 50 demonstrators protested against recent language requirements for getting Canada citizenship.

The protestors alleged such a requirement will make the process of Canada citizenship difficult for immigrants.

Moreover, such a ruling smacks of racial profiling and discrimination, maintained activist Jaggi Singh, the man who led the protest. He further said that Canada citizenship should be based on how people contribute to Canada society and not on language abilities.