Mr. Chair, this amendment proposes to decrease the upper age limit from 65 to 55 for applicants to demonstrate adequate knowledge of one of our two official languages in this country. We really cannot support it. The government will not be supporting the amendment.
We believe that an adequate knowledge of one of Canada's official languages, as well as knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship, helps immigrants to successfully integrate into Canadian society. It makes them better prepared as they assume their responsibilities of citizenship, and provides a better opportunity for more successful outcomes for them.
By increasing the age limit at the upper end to 64, the act better reflects the age limit of working Canadians, Mr. Chair, and helps ensure that immigrants are able to find employment to support themselves and their families.
This amendment would go against the objective of the act, which is to reinforce the value of Canadian citizenship. The government will be opposing this amendment.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])