April 11, 2012, 12:58 p.m. EDT MarketWatch (press release)
Minister Kenney Strengthens Economic Value of Provincial Immigration Programs
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, Apr 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today announced changes to strengthen provincial immigration programs.

Starting July 1, 2012, most Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants for semi- and low-skilled professions will have to undergo mandatory language testing of their listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities and meet a minimum standard across all four of these categories.

In addition, Minister Kenney said that further changes to the program will be made to continue to focus on economic streams. The changes are the latest in a series of announcements the Minister has made about transforming Canada's economic immigration program into a fast and flexible system focused on jobs, growth and prosperity.

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See also:

Feds unveil new language rules for low-skill provincial immigrants
April 11, 2012. 12:59 pm • Section: Politics and the Nation Canada.com (blog)

Hello, bonjour: language tests to become mandatory for some immigrants
By: The Canadian Press Posted: 04/11/2012 11:59 AM Winnipeg Free Press

Select immigrant workers to face mandatory language testing: ministers
Edmonton Journal

Low-skill immigrants to face mandatory language test, Kenney announces
The Province