Ontario Citizenship Minister lauds Filipinos for contributions to Canada

Ontario Citizenship Minister lauds Filipinos for contributions to Canada

Philippines Consul General of Toronto Angelica Escalona cuts the cake along with other government officials to mark the 126th Philippine Independence Day held at Niagara Falls, Ontario. From left: Sal Sorrento, Joyce Morroco, MPP Wayne Gates, Mayor Jim Diodati, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Hon. Michael Ford, MPP Jennie Stevens, Mona Patel and Consul General of Indonesia Dyah Asmarani.
Photo: Marlou Tiro

By Marlou S. Tiro

Ontario Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism and MPP for York-South Weston, Michael Douglas Ford, lauded the Filipino Canadians’ perseverance and hard work that paved way for a long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Canada.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize and pay homage to the courage, resilience and commitment of all the Filipinos who are here today and across Canada,” Ford said, during a community gathering in Niagara Falls to celebrate the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. Ford also mentioned that the Filipinos, who are part of the multicultural fabric of Canada have contributed to the province’s strength in terms of trade and shared values.”

“The Filipino-Canadians in Niagara have made our community better,” echoed MPP Wayne Gates. “You provided as teachers, PSW’s, nurses, doctors and several professionals,”he added.

The momentous event was led by Consul General Angelica C. Escalona along with the staff of the Philippine Consulate General of Toronto. In Escalona’s welcome speech, she thanked the community for their dedication and amiable character which enhanced their successful integration into the Canadian work force.

According to Statistics Canada, there are 957,355 Canadians with Filipino roots, 757,410 people were reported to have been born in the Philippines, 76.5% are living in Ontario. They are mostly working in sales, service, healthcare, business, and administration.

Several guests of honor were also present, including the Consul General of Indonesia, Dyah Asmarani, the mayor of Niagara Falls, Jim Diodati, MPP St Catharines  Jennie Stevens Councilors  Mona Patel, Joyce Morocco and Sal Sorrento. Among the guests who were present were Jim Hill, the senior manager of heritage for the Niagara Parks Commission, Justin Fetalvero, the Niagara Region’s Folk Arts Ambassador, and community leaders.