Language is key to moving to Canada
July 30 2009 by Mark Johnstone
Move to Canada and speak the language
A July study by the Maytree Foundation has found that language skills are the most important factor impacting new immigrants’ abilities to settle in and move to Canada as newcomers.
Naomi Alboim authored the report, which spoke to immigration settlement workers, academics and the government over the period of a year. She says, “knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages has been identified as the single most important predictor of successful labour market integration.”
The report follows an announcement from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that it is launching language training services for new immigrants. Immigration minister Jason Kenney has also recommended that people hoping to move to Canada get a head start by brushing up on their English and French to strengthen their visa applications.
In addition, good language skills can also help immigrants to find a job and succeed in their careers in Canada. The Maytree study states, ‘experience has also shown that early investments in language and employment training can lead to higher earnings.’
Minister Kenney says that language skills also help newcomers to settle in their communities. He explains, “Access to language training services is, for many newcomers, a first step in establishing networks and contacts so they are engaged and feel welcomed in their communities.”
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