Neoliberal governmentality and Canadian migrant language training policies

In this paper, I will explore how links between migration, official language proficiency and labour market needs are being forged within the context of an increasing neoliberal agenda for immigration. Specifically, I will examine how the stated need for immigrant labour has made the official language proficiency of newcomers a site of increasing concern and regulation for the Canadian Government. Foucault's notion of governmentality as the conduct of conduct will frame my analysis as I examine how the immigrant language learner is subject not only to institutional processes of management but is also constituted as responsible immigrant language learners in terms of how they self-manage and control their own learning.