The dramatic increase in the number of non-British immigrants to Canada each year has led to an overwhelming growth in the number of residents who are not fluent in 'English. Analyzes of 2006 Census data on immigration and citizenship, conducted by Statistics Canada, showed that 70 percent of the foreign-born population speaks neither English nor French as their mother tongue (Citizen and Immigration Canada, 2007). Most of these immigrants speak a native language other than English, and the majority of them are still unable to communicate effectively in English. English being the most spoken language in Canada, these residents therefore face many difficulties, including unemployment, lack of adequate education, poor access to health care and integration problems. Despite these challenges, there are a few recommendations that can be implemented to help close the gap. There is an increasing emphasis on effective communication in the workplace, which presents greater challenges for immigrants seeking employment in Canada. The inability to express oneself correctly in English greatly compromises the chances of obtaining employment, especially in the immigrant's field of study. According to the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Center Society (VIRCS), lack of English proficiency is the biggest barrier to employment for most immigrants. This prevents many professionals from obtaining employment where they can use their expertise and is also a barrier for skilled immigrants who do not normally have a high level of education in their former country (VIRCS, nd). Many of these immigrants, especially refugees, have considerable education and experience in their home countries, but due to their middle of paper...... retrieved December 17, 2011 from http:/ / www.ccsd.ca/subsites/cd/docs/iy/service.htm2) CBC (2011). Immigrant children over the age of 9 are more likely to drop out of school - By Louise Elliot. Retrieved December 7, 2011 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/10/27/pol-young-immigrant-kids-do-better.html3) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2007). Facts and Figures 2006: Immigration Overview: Permanent and Temporary Residents. Government of Canada. Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://tinyurl.com/yc3ven84) Statistics Canada (2006). Official language proficiency and self-reported health status among immigrants to Canada. Retrieved December 14, 2011 from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2011004/article/11559-eng.htm5) Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Center Society. (nd). Potential barriers to employment for immigrant job seekers. Accessed November 29, 2011 from http://www.vircs.bc.ca/barriers.php