An immigration group and Brandon's mayor are concerned that new rules being implemented by the federal government will lead to a revolving door of immigrants arriving in the city and then having to leave.
Beginning July 1, newcomers applying for permanent residence through the nominee program will need to pass an English or French proficiency test within two years of arriving in Canada. Those that don't pass it will have to return to their home country.
"Where we're wondering where the impact might be is going to be here in Brandon where people are coming here, staying for two years and potentially leaving (to go) back to their home country," said Leslie Allen from Westman Immigrant Service.
Currently, there is no testing required.
The majority of newcomers to Brandon are recruited as temporary foreign workers to fill jobs at Maple Leaf's pork plant.
"A lot of the Maple Leaf workers we have seen coming have got lower English levels and you know it's a big challenge for people to be able to learn the English language at the best of times," said Allen.
Maple Leaf said its employees are taught English once they arrive in Canada. A spokesperson said the company is still researching what impact the new language requirements will have on its operations.
Brandon Mayor Shari Decter Hirst said she's concerned about the potential for the new language requirements to force out immigrants every couple of years.
"We don't merely want a revolving door of strong backs. What we're looking for are people who want to settle down in Brandon who feel that Brandon is their home," she said.
Jaime Chinchilla said it took him four years to feel completely comfortable speaking English, even though he learned the basics before coming to Manitoba from Costa Rica six years ago.
He earned a master's degree in music from Brandon University and a full-time job.
"I feel good right now with what I'm doing here in both my job and my community activities, musical activities," said Chinchilla.
He said the new rules are not fair.
"I think putting a higher barrier on them will be like saying, ‘We don't want those people to come here,'" he said.
The federal government said it's important that immigrants know one of the official languages to establish themselves in Canada. It said foreign workers who are already in Canada can apply for a permanent residency and get an exemption from the new rules.
