The Government of Canada is facilitating the hiring process for Canadian employers to meet their labour needs and contribute to economic growth.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the launch of CAN Work Philippines. This pilot program, operating from Manila, aligns with the first-ever Philippines–Canada Friendship Week. It aims to simplify work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers, offering the convenience of scheduling group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees, and facilitating Filipino Immigration. This initiative is open to Canadian employers who are recruiting approximately 50 or more workers from the Philippines, for crucial roles in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and agri-food.
Canada takes its responsibility to safeguard temporary foreign workers seriously. Employers seeking to participate in the program must demonstrate adherence to fair and ethical recruitment standards, as outlined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Also, IRCC is providing $200,000 to the IOM to support the adoption of these recruitment standards in the Philippines. This funding will enable the IOM to collaborate with the Government of the Philippines, conduct training sessions, and promote the IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit to organizations involved in recruiting talent in the country.
The Philippines is a significant partner for Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and a major source of newcomers to Canada. These efforts will strengthen the social ties between the two nations and address labour shortages in the Canadian economy, further solidifying Canada’s reputation as a top destination for global talent.
Highlight declarations
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said that every year, Canada receives thousands of foreign workers who contribute to the Canadian economy. This includes Filipino Immigration. Explained that the CAN Work Philippines pilot will give Canada an important advantage in the global race for talent and will help Canada’s industries in adressing labour market needs.
Also, Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan, Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, explained the happiness that this CAN Work Philippines program brings and the significant step this means in the long-standing partnership between both countries. Explained also that this will protect the rights of Filipino Workers.
Quick facts
Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth. Roughly 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration. By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30% of Canada’s population, compared to 20.7% in 2011.
As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing $74.6 million over 5 years, and $15.7 million ongoing, to boost the department’s application processing capacity both domestically and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Filipino Immigration in Canada represents big numbers. According to the 2021 Census, 960,000 people of Philippine origin live in Canada. Filipino nationals are also one of the top recipients of work permits. For the first 6 months of 2023, 1 in 10 Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permits were issued to Filipino nationals.
On June 6, 2023, Canada announced expanded access to its Electronic Travel Authorization Program to include the Philippines, giving more Filipinos access to visa-free travel by air.
Jointly organized by the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines and IRCC’s visa office in Manila, the Philippines–Canada Friendship Week will celebrate the strong social ties between the two countries and promote Canada as a destination of choice for workers from the Philippines. It will take place the week of October 23 in Manila and include information sessions on working in Canada, testimonials from Filipino workers, photo exhibits, a film screening, and a tasting booth to sample Canadian cuisine.