CALGARY — Canada's immigration minister says Atlantic Canada's efforts to attract immigrants is flawed.

Jason Kenney released a study yesterday that shows only one quarter of provincial nominees who moved to the Atlantic provinces stayed there -- compared with 95 per cent in British Columbia.

The study looked at how all provinces tailor immigration criteria to fit local labour needs.

It also found the majority of workers selected are succeeding, with more than 90 per cent declaring earnings after one year in Canada.

However, the study also found that too many immigrants have little or no proficiency in either official language.

Kenney says he wants a minimum language standard for all provincial nominees.

As well, he says there's a correlation between provinces that don't enforce language requirements and a higher rate of fraud.

The minister says problems in Atlantic Canada can partially be blamed on a higher unemployment rate.