Document Details

2008-01-29

Victoria Klassen

Ministry of Economic Development

Ministry of Economic Development

The Province and the Philippine government have signed a memorandum of understanding to help reduce the shortage of skilled workers in British Columbia, Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen announced today. The agreement will help strengthen relations between B.C. employers and Philippine recruiters, providing more effective access to foreign workers.

“The British Columbia economy is growing at a rate faster than the overall Canadian economy and definitely faster than the overall American economy,” said Hansen. “To maintain this momentum, we need to attract 30,000 workers per year with specific skills from outside B.C.”

Hansen signed the two-year memorandum of understanding today with Philippine Labour Secretary Arturo Brion.

“The government of the Philippines is particularly receptive to partnering on international recruitment,” said Secretary Brion. “Our agreement with B.C. truly confirms the opening of a new chapter of sharing Filipino labour with other countries through contract migration.”

“This agreement with the Filipino government will provide B.C. employers effective, quicker access to foreign workers,” said Earl Wilde, president of the B.C. Hotel Association. “We are looking to attract temporary or permanent immigrants in areas where we have labour shortages.”

The Republic of the Philippines is the third largest source country for immigrants to B.C.
The agreement will target sectors most in need of skilled workers: tourism and hospitality, retail and construction.

The MOU is a WorkBC initiative. For more information please visit the WorkBC website at www.workbc.ca.

• 
  B.C., Philippines Worker Agreement (http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008ECD0001-000116.htm)
  

Sales and service occupations - general

Policy analysis

Public awareness

British Columbia and Philippines

English