Manitoba is the third Canadian province to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine government to streamline the recruitment of Filipino workers to various sectors of Manitoba's growing economy.

Saskatchewan and British Columbia have already signed similar agreements, which include protection measures for temporary Filipino workers. A fourth agreement with Alberta is set to be signed before the end of the month.

"Canada needs a lot of workers because of the developments in many of its provinces," explained Philippine Labor Secretary Arturo Brion. "The Philippines is lucky enough to have the advantage and was given preference in recognition of the skills and efficiency of Filipino workers." According to Brion, 10,000 jobs currently await Filipino workers in Manitoba.

Manitoba's growing Filipino community has a population of nearly 50,000. The Philippines is the most important source country of immigrants to Manitoba, accounting for 25 per cent of the province's total immigration. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer is presently in the Philippines for a five-day trip to discuss immigration and business opportunities between the province and the Philippines. "Manitoba has a strong Filipino community, and it makes sense for us to build on the connections that already exist between our province and the Philippines," stated Premier Doer. "Manitoba has a lot to offer to Filipino businesses looking to access the North America market."

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has just announced that more immigration officers will be sent to the Canadian Immigration Visa Office in Manila to address the increased volume of Temporary Foreign Worker applications. Processing times for other immigration services will also be improved.