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The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has made further recommendations for additions to the shortage occupation list. The MAC feels that Teachers in special schools and skilled meat boners and trimmers and certain other occupations should be added to the shortage occupation list.
On 16 October the Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced language training vouchers to encourage new immigrants to improve their English and/or French. Newcomers already have free access to language training via local settlement service providers.
On 15 October it was announced that immigrants in Hamilton will benefit from a new Local Immigration Partnership initiative which will help them integrate into Canadian society. This was announced by Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MP David Sweet, Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis and City of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
The new citizenship test for those who wish to become Australian citizens starts today. The twenty multiple choice questions is no easier than the previous test. The Australian Government says that it is fairer; Each question is given equal weight.
Australia raised interest rates 0.25 percent to 3.25 percent and is the first G20 State to increase rates since the Worldwide economic downturn began. Australia's unemployment rate went down from 5.8% to 5.7% in September and GDP rose 0.6 percent in the second quarter.
On 9 October 2009, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans announced the Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution.
The Council will advise on Government immigration policy initiatives. This includes advising on New Directions in Detention and the national rollout of the Community Status Resolution Service.