Tuesday, March 18, 2008 No quota for RP workers: envoy
CANADIAN ambassador to the Philippines Robert Desjardins said that their government is not setting a limit in the number of immigrant workers to be hired for jobs there.
The Philippines is a preferred source of skilled workers in Canada.
According to www.cicnews.com, a website-based newsletter on Canadian immigration, “the Philippines is one of the most important source countries for Canadian immigration.”
Canada is projecting a huge need for skilled workers as its economy continues to grow. Its working sector is also aging.
The business sector in Canada has been asking the government to review its policies in hiring immigrant workers due to labor shortages in the service sector and in construction.
The country recently strengthened its immigration ties with the Philippines and is eyeing to provide more jobs to qualified Filipino workers.
Due to the existence of an established social network and their proficiency in English, Filipino workers are deemed to have an easy transition to a life in Canada.
In an article, which was released last February, the newsletter also stated that the Filipino community in Canada is seen to continue on its growth path, topping the half million mark by 2017.
Apart from the hiring of Filipino workers, Canada is also looking at trade prospects with the Philippines.
The ambassador has expressed positive views on the Philippine economy, saying that “economic indicators are pointing at the right direction.”
Tourism
He also said that the Philippines will continue to become a tourist destination for Canadians.
Desjardins said that last year about 100,000 Canadian tourists came to visit the Philippines.
The Canadian tourists look forward to hitting the beach during the month of February which is the height of winter in Canada.
He also said that Canadians also come here for “cultural tourism.”
Desjardins was here in Cebu last Friday to witness the culmination of the Canadian Executive Service Organization–Business Advisory Project held at the Casino Español de Cebu.
The project is funded by the Canadian government through the Canadian International Development Agency. (DME)
