I think research has clearly shown that language is important. I don't have to tell Canadians that language is a means of both civic and economic integration and cultural integration. We live close to Quebec, so we know this. In that sense, I think it is an important fact.
However, I also think that language testing in itself doesn't do it all. The idea that just being here, that just residence time for someone means they will learn the language, can only be a proxy. Language skills require involvement with other people.