Language Debate

The federal minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism says he is worried about Canadian citizens who can't speak either official language.

Jason Kenney says he wants to see new regulations to ensure anyone who is a citizen can speak either English or French.

"Someone who has been here for 15 years and can't speak English or French is basically locking themselves out of the vast majority of jobs and is isolating themselves socially, and that is a tragedy."

Kenney, who is the Conservative MP for Calgary Southeast, says that while there are points awarded for proficiency in either official language, new immigrants should be encouraged to improve their language skills before coming to Canada.

He believes that if someone can't complete a citizenship test in either language, they should be turned down.

The above is an excerpt from the local news tonight. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I truly believe that one needs to know the official language(s) of their adopted country to assimilate. But on the other hand, it's difficult to not be have empathy for the citizens.

Me: I'm not sure I agree.
Steven: Why not?
Me: because if stricter immigration laws like that had been in place, I probably wouldn't be here.
Steven: one can only dream.
Me: Screw you.