SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Philippine Independence Day

Honourable senators, mabuhay! Today marks 126 years since the Philippines gained independence from 333 years of Spanish colonial rule.

Earlier today, we celebrated this significant occasion by continuing the annual tradition of raising the flags of both the Philippines and Canada on Parliament Hill.

In the gallery, I extend a heartfelt welcome to Her Excellency Maria Andrelita S. Austria, the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, as well as to the interns of the National Philippine Parliamentary Internship Program.

The program welcomes young Filipino-Canadian professionals to spend time in an MP or senator’s office and learn about Canada’s federal legislative processes, encouraging them to — one day — see themselves in leadership.

Today, there are over 1 million Canadians of Filipino descent, meaning 1 out of every 40 people has ties to the Philippines.

A significant wave of Filipino migration to Canada occurred in my home province of Manitoba. In the late 1950s and 1960s, Filipino doctors and nurses were recruited to work in hospitals and established a vital role in the health care sector.

Another wave of Filipino migration occurred in the late 1960s and 1970s, with Filipinos finding employment in the garment industry, as Winnipeg was home to several factories. Their strong work ethic and dedication to craftsmanship contributed to the success of the industry in the province.

More recently, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been a significant pathway for Filipinos seeking employment opportunities in Canada. These workers fill labour shortages as live-in caregivers, or in sectors like agriculture, aquaculture or food processing.

During the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology’s study on temporary and migrant labour, the committee heard that these workers are essential in sustaining industries, local economies and communities.

This month of June, we honour Filipino Heritage Month and celebrate the richness and diversity of Filipino culture, and we recognize the enduring impact that Filipinos have had, and will continue to have, in Canada.

Filipino Canadians are making significant contributions in various sectors, including business, law, technology and politics, highlighting their impact across the professional landscape.

We also commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada. Our partnership is rooted in shared values of peace, stability, democracy and rule of law and is upheld by people-to-people ties. In the ever-changing landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, both the Philippines and Canada have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship by investing in our peoples and strengthening economic ties.

Today, dear colleagues, I wish you happy Philippine Independence Day, happy Filipino Heritage Month and happy 75 years of diplomatic relations. Maraming salamat po. Meegwetch.