Embassy seminar for new caregivers

Embassy seminar for new caregivers

OTTAWA–Ambassador Francisco L. Benedicto has announced that the Philippine Embassy is organizing an orientation-seminar specifically for newly arrived overseas Filipino workers in Ottawa, Kingston and Montreal, primarily caregivers, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Social Hall of St. Brigid’s Church in Ottawa.

Aimed mainly as a briefing for new arrivals to Canada, the orientation-seminar seeks to welcome them to the Filipino community in Canada and to acquaint them with the Canadian way of life. Secondarily, this seminar aims to provide them with a clear understanding of their rights and obligations under Canada’s Employment Standards Act as well as other labor laws and regulations affecting them.

Among the resource persons invited to speak during the seminar are Labor Representative Rolando Rico C. Olalia, who will discuss all the aspects of the Live-In Caregiver Program and other pertinent labor matters, as well as representatives from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and Immigration Canada, who will explain what newly arrived workers need to know about their employment in Canada.

The Embassy has also invited as resource persons Joan Mira Junio of the Filipino Caregivers Association of Montreal (FCAM), and other leaders and former caregivers.

Consul General Jerril G. Santos will discuss consular matters and will act as moderator during the question-and-answer sessions after each speaker. Embassy officers and staff will also be on hand to respond to queries from the participants, who are also encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Embassy’s consular officers.

(PRESS RELEASE)