No French language testing available for immigrants in Yukon

Francophone immigrants in the North face higher fees and more challenges when trying to complete language requirements for permanent residency.

To become a permanent resident in Canada, newcomers must prove language proficiency in one of two official languages by scoring high on a test recognized by the Canadian government.

A Radio-Canada investigation revealed the cost of doing the test in French is higher than in English, across the country.French tests can costup to $225 more.

For newcomers who settle in the North, there's an additional hurdle they have to travel south to take the test in French.

"The English test, if you want to do it in Whitehorse you can because it happens about once a month," said Chrystelle Houdry in Whitehorse.

"You can have the English test,but not the French one."

Houdrywill have to travel to Vancouver for the test, which she estimates couldcost about $1,300 for the flight, accommodations and the actual test.

"It's a lot for us," she said.

Seeking solutions

Frdric Noletofthe Association franco-yukonnaise said Houdry is not alonein the last few weeks, he's heard of several French-speaking immigrants in the territory in similar circumstances.

"As far as I know, all the territories are in the same situation, and I think Newfoundland and Labrador, too,has the same problem with the French test," Noletsaid.

Nolet said his office willlook to see if there are any solutions for francophone immigrants in the Yukon.

Canada's Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages is also looking into the difference incostbetween English andFrenchlanguage testing.