Trudeau names Fil-Canadian Rechie Valdez as minister in cabinet

In a milestone for the Filipinos in Canada, Prime Minister Trudeau appointed Rechie Valdez as Canada’s Minister of Small Business on Wednesday, July 26.

Trudeau’s cabinet reshuffle has led to her appointment in the cabinet. This shows Canada’s efforts at diversity and representation.

As  the first Filipino woman to hold such a high position in the Canadian government. Valdez proudly spoke of her Filipino roots during her emotional oath-taking.

Before she swore on her new duties and responsibilities, she uttered the Filipino greeting, “Mabuhay.” Her sartorial choice also depicted a heartfelt message to her fellow Filipinos: she wore a Barong Tagalog on the Cabinet’s official website.

I’m so proud of my friend @rechievaldez for being appointed to cabinet. Her story is inspiring and she will represent Mississauga very well at the cabinet table https://t.co/vCNZ7DXeAI

— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) July 26, 2023

Valdez is the first Fil-Canadian woman Member of Parliament (MP); she was elected  in 2021 to represent Mississauga-Streetsville in Parliament.

Trudeau stated, “We are ready to keep delivering on the things that matter most to you – making life more affordable, growing the economy, and creating good jobs for the middle class.”

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Valdez’s role as the Minister for Small Business includes addressing critical concerns that affect Canadians and the middle class and working with a group of talented individuals to ensure a future where opportunities are open to all.

Rechie Valdez in the Canadian politics

As MP she was a member of the committees on veterans affairs and agri-food and agriculture. From 2022-2023, she was a member of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association and the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association.

UPDATED. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Filipina-Canadian Rechie Valdez as his small business minister on Wednesday, July 26, making her the first Filipino woman to become a part of the Canadian Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/PKBuGweAr0

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) July 27, 2023

Valdez  also pushed the bill seeking to formalize a national women’s entrepreneurship day. On Nov.22, it had its first reading in the House of Commons.

She also supported the bill to establish a national structure for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Valdez as community advocate and businesswoman

Born in Zambia to Filipino parents, she moved to Canada with her family in 1989 when she was 9 years old. Before joining Canada’s political scene, she owned and ran her small baking business Chietopia.

She also hosted the TV show Fearlessly Creative where she shared stories of artists, creators, and entrepreneurs. She also worked as a corporate banker for 15 years, where she honed her skills in business and strategic planning.

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