Trudeau: Lack of Fil-Can representation in government ‘a frustration to me’

Trudeau: Lack of Fil-Can representation in government ‘a frustration to me’

PM Justin Trudeau and Melissa Grelo during ‘Filipino Heritage Month Celebration on Parliament Hill’ on June 29, 2021
(Photos: Screenshots from online interview)

By Irish Mae Silvestre
The Philippine Reporter

Filipino Heritage Month ended with an important message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: it’s time for more Filipino-Canadians to step up in government leadership positions.

“I’ve been working very hard in encouraging as often as I can,” said Trudeau. “We need strong Filipino-Canadians to step up across the country and run for office and run for the Liberal Party.”

Trudeau’s comments came during an interview with The Social co-host Melissa Grelo during ‘Filipino Heritage Month Celebration on Parliament Hill’ on June 29. The event included messages of support from leaders including MP Salma Zahid, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen, and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino.

Trudeau further emphasized the importance of a government and institutions that reflect the diversity of Canada, stating that there have been strong Filipino leaders in the Liberal Party in the past. “That there isn’t any right now is a frustration to me, and I can point at tremendous strong community leaders who work closely with us, who are involved with us, who help us out,” he said. “I really hope in the coming years some strong young Filipino Canadian steps up saying, ‘You know what? It’s time my voice got heard, I want to be part of this.’ And we will welcome you with open arms.”

On the subject of diversity, Trudeau talked about the federal government’s efforts to address anti-Asian racism, like including an official definition of anti-Asian racism in Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. There’s also the $11 million in federal funding to support Asian-Canadian organizations and communities affected by racism during the pandemic.

“The anti-Asian racism has been particularly poignant because there has been a direct faulty connection to COVID-19 and a level of blame and anger that is just so unfair,” he said. “Particularly, considering how many Asian-Canadians are directly engaged in helping us get through this pandemic as scientists, healthcare workers, strong members and community leaders [and] have been part of the way we’ve all pulled together during this pandemic.”

To recognize the importance of essential workers in Canada, Trudeau emphasized that recent pathways would allow 90,000 essential workers to become permanent residents. “[It’s] a way to say, ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has been stepping up, and I know the Filipino-Canadian community was at the heart of these efforts and all Canadians are incredibly grateful,” he said.

Regarding issues concerning the Filipino Canadian community, The Philippine Reporter sent Trudeau’s media office questions regarding his response to the human rights issues in the Philippines, as well as the recently tabled petition about mining operations of a Canadian company in the Philippines. As of press time, there has been no response.

Towards the end of the interview, he stated that he can’t imagine a Canada that’s successful without the Filipino community, adding that he’s grateful for everything the community does.

“We’ve got good days ahead with vaccines rolling out, I’m really excited about it,” said Trudeau. “This night is a moment to celebrate virtually. I can’t wait to get back to the real Taste of Manila and proper community barbecues.”