Candidates receive points based on language ability, so it's a good way to separate out better English speakers.
Language testing has always been a part of the PR process, otherwise the country would be flooded with immigrants who would struggle to find employment with poor English/French skills.
I'm English and I still had to prove I can speak English, but I don't mind, it's just part of the process.
Also, from my experience here it's definitely good that more points are awarded to stronger English speakers, there are far too many people who are already PRs that can just about cope with the language.