The minister said the director of the province's Immigration and Settlement Policy and Planning Branch arrives in the Philippines Nov. 18 for two weeks to promote employment opportunities in Manitoba.
In conjunction with Canadian embassy officials in the Philippines, the provincial representative will conduct seminars with prospective immigrants who fit Manitoba's specific economic and labor needs and Canada's immigration eligibility criteria. Seminars will be held in Cebu City Nov. 21 and 22, in Davao City Nov. 23 and 24 and in Manila Nov. 27 and 28.
"The Manitoba government has identified industries where a significant potential for growth exists but where there is a shortage of skilled workers," Gilleshammer said. "We are especially looking for people with training in information management, such as computer systems, software development, database systems and networks.
"But there are several other fields where opportunities exist, most notably in Manitoba's fashion industry, but also in large animal veterinary practices, sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining, and television and video-cassette recorder repair."
Gilleshammer noted that more than one million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds call Manitoba home, including more than 45,000 Filipinos, 5,500 of whom have come to Manitoba in the last five years. The Filipino community in Manitoba is very close-knit, the minister added, thanks to organizations such as the Philippine Association of Manitoba.
The first Philippine Centre in Canada was opened in Winnipeg by the Philippine Association of Manitoba. The Philippine Centre is the heart of Winnipeg's Filipino community, offering a variety of cultural and social programs. The centre also provides educational programs and services for Filipinos, especially newcomers. In addition, the Filipino Journal, Philippine Connection and the 'Good Morning Philippines' program on Radio Station CKJS promote Filipino cultural life in the community.
Gilleshammer said the tour is the latest step in an extensive recruitment campaign started by the Manitoba government in September 1994. The campaign, which includes advertising in selected sites and a global campaign on the Internet, has generated more than 1,200 inquiries.
"The seminars will emphasize the advantages of moving to Manitoba," Gilleshammer said. "There are many reasons why skilled workers should consider Manitoba, such as affordable housing, universal health and education systems, clean air and water and a safe, secure environment to raise a family. Add up all these pluses and it is easy to conclude that Manitoba is a great place to live."
Filipinos interested in emigrating to Manitoba must have at least one year's experience in their occupation and a high level of education and must be fluent in English or French. Interested people can contact Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Citizenship through the International Organization for Migration, 2nd floor, Victoria Building, 429 United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila, by fax at (204) 948-2256 or by Internet e-mail at krobins@citizenship.gov.mb.ca .