LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Landed status for caregivers?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Landed status for caregivers?

Dear Editor,

I would like to comment on the article by Mila Astorga-Garcia “Caregivers want landed status.”

First let me tell you I am an immigrant to this country married to a Filipina for more than thirty years. My wife is very active in the Filipino Community here in London and we go to many parties which lots of Caregivers (nannies) also attend so we know quite a few of them.

I do agree that being a caregiver (live in), has a lot of responsibilities, is very hard work, involves long hours and the pay is not great. It also involves a lot of sacrifices for the people who come here to work, they do have to leave behind husband, children, family, etc.

Giving them “Landed Status” on arrival would be not solve these problems, even giving them parity with Canadian workers would not make their job easier (the pay may get better). I think many would change jobs as soon as they could (usually Landed Immigrant are free to choose where they want to work), and would not stay as caregivers for long.

I think asking for “Landed Status” will only make the government look at people from other countries to do this kind of work therefore denying many Filipinas from at least being able to support their families back in the Philippines, regardless of hardship.

If I understand the present laws, after two years of working in Canada, caregivers can apply for landed status and also apply to bring to Canada their immediate family. I know a few that have done it.

Thank you for your attention,
Michel Debruyne