Volume 20 • No. 21 • November 1 - 15, 2024
Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Mikee Quintos
Canada and the Philippines mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
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More photos. See p11 This year celebrates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, which began in 1949. To honour this longstanding partnership, events across Canadian provinces are engaging Filipino communities in year-round commemorations. On October 17, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, and Winnipeg North MP, Kevin Lamoureux, recognized local
Filipino community members for their contributions to Manitoba’s growth. During the event, held at the newly opened Mars Sisig Restaurant in Winnipeg, Minister Miller and MP Lamoureux presented Certificates of Recognition and commemorative coins to honour the enduring friendship between the two countries. Minister Miller addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the positive impact of the Filipino community on Canada’s progress
and underscoring the significance of 75 years of Canada – Philippines diplomatic relations. According to the 2021 census, nearly one million people of Philippine origin now call Canada home, with many more visiting for family, education, or new opportunities. Similarly, Canadians travel to the Philippines each year for tourism, work, and family connections, further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Filipino Conservative Alliance of Manitoba attends National Conference in Ottawa
FCAM members with the Manitoba Caucus. (L-r): Alvin Fernandez, MP Larry Maguire, MP Dan Mazier, MP James Bezan, MP Marty Morantz, MP Ted Falk, Lou Fernandez and Katya Labelle The Filipino Conservative Alliance of Manitoba (FCAM) represented the province at the National Meeting of Filipino Political Leaders held in Ottawa on October 23 and 24, 2024. “This was an excellent opportunity for our team to forge stronger connections with delegates and elected officials from across Canada. Sitting at the table in Ottawa to discuss future policy is a significant step for Filipino Canadians, and coming together as
a community is just the beginning,” said Katya LaBelle, president of the Filipino Conservative Alliance of Manitoba. “The main objective is to address various issues faced by Filipinos in different parts of Canada and to encourage our community to become actively involved in the electoral process, whether by volunteering, supporting campaigns, or even running as candidates,” added LaBelle. See FCAM p5