Philippines number 1 source of immigrants in Canada

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Filipinos now ranked as the top Asian immigrants in Canada, a parliament official said.

Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, who visited Pampanga over the weekend to foster cooperation between local officials here and discuss immigration policies, said the Filipino community in Canada has proven to be a vital force in local industries and sectors of the country.

Lamoureux visited government offices here accompanied by Butil Farmers Party Representative Agapito Guanlao. The Canadian official also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Lilia Pineda and was given a welcome lunch attended by various mayors of the province.

The official highlighted the importance of Filipino immigrants like Kapampangans and Cebuanos immigrants in manning jobs in Canada.

Currently, Canada receives 250, 000 yearly.

Lamoureux said of the 34 million Canadians some 750,000 are Canadians with Filipino heritage.

“The Filipino community in Canada has a very profound and positive impact in the economy and the country has benefited from their presence in many sectors and they prove to be a vital force in local development,” Lamoureux said.

Lamoureux said the hospitality and labor sector in Canada still proves to be an optimistic sector for Filipino immigrants.

“But we hope to go beyond immigration. The Philippines has a very promising tourism sector. There are Canadians who visit tropical countries during the cold weather, why not visit the Philippines. Right now, more and more Canadians are becoming aware of the Philippines,” Lamoureux added.

During his visit, the Butil Farmers Party also organized a seminar for people wanting to visit or find employment in Canada. (Ian Ocampo Flora)