I took a walk around downtown Fredericton today, it seemed quieter than usual. I don't really know how much of the local population feels the way I do, but if they do, it's understandable if many people aren't leaving their houses.

I introduced myself to two different pairs of newcomers to Fredericton. I know they're newcomers because they can't speak English. Apparently not even a lick of it. They looked startled, apprehensive and mostly just walked away from me as I talked to them in a non-aggressive way in English.

How are these people supposed to integrate and get jobs if they can't speak our language? Who chooses who comes in? Our mayor is trying to make it easier if hasn't already. There's news stories about his plan for 25,000 immigrants over the next 25 years, and he states plainly they're trying to make the process easier.