RP major source of immigrant workers to Canada

MANILA, Philippines – The Immigration minister of Canada yesterday said the Philippines remains an important source of immigrant workers to the country, which is experiencing a low birth rate and an ageing work force.  In a speech before the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney said around 450,000 immigrants arrive in Canada daily.

He said Canada issued more permanent resident visas to Filipinos last year than to other nationals worldwide. In 2009, the country issued 30,000 permanent resident visas to Filipino applicants and their families. In 2005, only 10,370 permanent visas were issued to Filipinos.

“And we continue to welcome more people from the Philippines every year,” Kenney said.

He said there are currently 450,000 Filipinos permanently residing in Canada.
Kenney said Filipinos, who have been immigrating to Canada for more than 50 years, have contributed much to its economic growth.   “Canada needs immigration. Like many other western countries, our workforce is aging and our birthrate is low. We estimate that, within a few years, virtually all of our labor force’s growth will come from immigration,” Kenney added.  As a result of the global economic downturn, most countries have scaled back on immigration quotas but Canada has sought to maintain its normal immigration levels.

In 2009, Canada attracted over 500,000 immigrants, which include permanent residents, temporary workers, and students.   Canada now has a higher number of immigrants than it had 75 years ago.   The Philippines is one of its top sources of immigrants aside from China and India.  Kenney said some 15,000 to 20,000 Filipinos settle in Canada as permanent residents every year.

The number of Filipinos coming to Canada as temporary workers has also risen from 2,000 annually in 2000 to around 20,000 by 2008.   “The Philippines is without a doubt an important source of temporary workers for Canada. And while immigration plays a vital role in helping sustain Canada’s economic growth, we know that it plays an important role in helping sustain the Philippines’ economy as well,” Kenney said. –Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)