This Canadian province is recruiting more Filipino workers

SASKATCHEWAN – The Philippines continues to be an important source of skilled workers for the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison is currently participating in an employer-driven labor recruitment mission in the Philippines. The mission began on Dec. 8 and will conclude on Dec. 15.

“The huge contributions of the Filipino-Canadian population in Saskatchewan play an important role in growing our economy, and building strong, dynamic communities,” Harrison said in a statement.

“With more than 36,000 Filipino-Canadians choosing to make Saskatchewan home, this is an excellent opportunity to attract skilled workers to the province – many of whom have friends or family living and working in Saskatchewan.”

The Philippines continues to be an important source of skilled workers for the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. FILE PHOTO (for illustration only)

Filipinos make up the largest immigrant community in Saskatchewan. The latest census shows the top three places of birth among immigrants living in Saskatchewan are the Philippines, India and China.

Harrison has joined a delegation of 26 Saskatchewan employers representing the agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors.

One of the employers, Bourgault Industries, began its recruitment missions to the Philippines in the spring of 2012.

“Since then we have welcomed over 90 individuals and their families to Saskatchewan,” Bourgault Industries Human Resources Team Leader Karen Gallais said.

Strong work ethic

“These individuals joined our manufacturing team and have demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to make our community their home.”

She added that many of the Filipino newcomers’ spouses have also become employees of Bourgault.

“The hard work and dedication of our Filipino-Canadian employees have contributed greatly to the success of Bourgault Industries,” Gallais said.

The Government of Saskatchewan has made it easier for the public to find information about immigration services. Screenshot of The Government of Saskatchewan website

Their company is looking forward to continuing its partnership with the Saskatchewan government through the ongoing mission to the Philippines, she added.

The mission taking place in Manila will support the recruitment of more than 400 critical vacancies across the province through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

Candidates will work with officials to navigate immigration pathways and obtain pre-arrival settlement information to ensure a seamless transition to the province.

Saskatchewan’s nurse recruitment mission to Manila and Cebu earlier this year resulted in 236 conditional job offers to join the Canadian province’s health care system. This is on top of some 200 job offers the province’s previous mission had provided.