Canadian gov't imposes language test on all skilled immigrants

[emzie]

There is a vast gulf between "fluency" and "inability to communicate". I don't see why fluency should be a requirement. The mere act of applying for the skilled migration program of a country and navigating the process of meeting the requirements pretty much demonstrates a base level of ability to communicate.

Or the ability to hire a lawyer.

 

[otago]

Some additional links: From the Globe 'n' Mail, and two posts from the Language Log on the issue.



Yeah, that seems to be one problematic portion of the story. But then again, I'm not a legal scholar, so I just wait and see what the courts say about it.

The other, and bigger problem to me is it seems to me to be a waste of everybody's time and effort. There's not really point of testing "native English speakers, to those who hold passports or have lived for 10 years or more in an English-speaking country, and to university graduates of an English-speaking country", since it is almost certain that they are English proficient and Australia and the UK don't have a problem with exempting them as well.

Since all Americans are not native English speakers it seems only fair they should be tested.
The same for the Midlands and Northern accents, they need to be sent to elocution lessons

 

[Tee Kay]

I don't mind English language tests for immigrants, but they're too damn expensive.

 

[Kerozine]

Yes, but think of that in terms of a devaluated currency and you'll see that those $285 are not so insignificant after all.

Ninja EDIT: x-post!!! Quote added for clarity.

So what?

 

[Yeekim]

Oooh, a language test!
Do those who pass at least get a citizenship?