With Filipino immigrants representing Canada’s third largest source of immigration, coupled with the country’s need for more workers—particularly in the construction industry— Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced pathways to break down barriers to permanent residency.
“We need about 100,000 construction workers. They won’t all come from inside Canada,” Miller said, speaking at the Filipino-Canadian Professionals Convention held at the Improve Canada complex in Vaughan, Ont. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.
“I’m looking at expanding a number of pathways—not just temporary—but giving people potential access to permanent residency if they have the skill sets to come to this country as builders.
“We are aware that we need to fill some critical labour market gaps. Many employers look for talent from abroad when they’re unable to fill vacancies and jobs in Canada.”
Miller also announced that 17,000 study permits have been issued to Filipinos.
There have been a number of measures done to ensure the large number of Filipino immigrants are served well both in the Philippines and in Canada.
“Since 2019, we’ve expanded our embassy staff presence in the Philippines by up to 40 per cent, recognizing the volume and the need that we’re seeing,” he said.
Miller also touched on the expanded access to the Canada Electronic Travel Authorization program launched in June, which gave Filipinos access to visa-free travel by air.
“This exciting development will make it efficient and affordable for countless individuals from around the world to visit our great nation,” said Hon. Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business.
“By eliminating visa requirements, we welcome tourists and enable families to reunite and visit their loved ones in Canada more easily. As a proud Filipino-Canadian, I am thrilled by the expanded eTA eligibility to include the Philippines,” she added.
Miller added that the lifting of the visa requirement means that thousands of Filipinos can come to Canada and get instantaneous access to the country without going through the heavy paperwork they had to fill out in the past.
Another initiative that Miller is working on is collating over $100,000 to support the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out when you feel that your voice isn’t being heard. (Your voice) counts…we need to do a better job,” said Miller.
