Despite decades of migrant workers’ campaigns which have kept Canadian society and all its past governments aware and sufficiently educated about the slave-like conditions and the suffering of migrant workers, the government has once again chosen to look completely the opposite way. The HUMA parliamentary committee report on TFWP has chosen to “reform” the migrant workers’ program for the continued profit and well-being of employers, companies and global capital. Essentially, it has chosen to maintain an exploitative and oppressive immigration and labour system that has no concern at all for the welfare and well-being of migrant workers. Continue reading
Press Con: Responses to Trudeau government’s review of Temporary Foreign Worker Program
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Front-line advocates and labour respond to Trudeau government’s review of Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Vancouver, Sept 21, 2016 — Front-line advocacy groups and labour presented their critical responses to the Federal government’s review of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program at a press conference at the BCFED office in Vancouver. The report which came out on September 19 was prepared by the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills, and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA).
L-R: MLA Mable Elmore, Irene Lanzinger, Natalie Drolet, Juliana Dalley, Avelina Vasquez, and Erie Maestro
At the press conference were spokespeople from the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), Migrante BC, the West Coast Domestic Workers’ Association (WCDWA) and the BC Federation of Labour offered their analysis and reflections on the controversial changes. Continue reading
Sept. 21: Remembering Martial Law and Building Peace
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REMEMBERING MARTIAL LAW AND BUILDING PEACE (also marking Sept 21 The International Day of Peace)
On September 21, 1
972, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law and ushered in one of the darkest periods in the history of the Filipino people. Hundreds of thousands of men and women, from all sectors of society, were arrested and detained, tortured, abducted and forcibly disappeared under the Marcos’ reign of terror; these were the very citizens he had pledged to protect and defend. He unleashed the dogs of war at whole villages and communities with the use of strategic hamlets, food blockades, bombings, and militarization. The government with its military, Continue reading
Crossroads, Detours & Roadblocks to Peace Under Duterte
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Vancouver, August 22, 2016.– Paul Quintos, the Research Coordinator for the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) spoke at the SFU Harbour Centre in do
wntown Vancouver last August 22 on the “Prospects for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines: Crossroads, Detours and Roadblocks.”
Mr. Quintos worked as a Program Manager at IBON International, a Southern-led international non-governmental organization that promotes development justice through capacity development of people’s movements. He has also worked as an organizer and Continue reading
Nissan Women’s Team: Champion of Migrante Volleyball Tournament
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Vancouver, August 28, 2016 — Nissan Women’s Team won all the rounds in the elimination games against six other competing women’s volleyball teams and proudly emerged as this year’s Champion of the Fifth Annual Volleyball Tournament at Slocan Park.
Kababayan4Change Vancouver meets ConGen Neil Ferrer
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Community members supporting the Kababayan4Change Movement met with the Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer on Thursday, August 11, 2016 to start the conversation on working and uniting around the Filipino people’s demands for change in the Philippines. The meeting took place at the Philippine Consulate General, Canada Place, Vancouver. Continue reading
Community Partner for VQFF’s It Runs in the Family
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Migrante BC is proud to be the community partner for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival’s It Runs in the Family
Ever wonder what it would be like to search for all the queers in your extended family? Continue reading
Statement on the Proclamation of Duterte as President
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Changing the Lives of Migrant Workers and OFWs:The Great Task of Serving the People
With an overwhelming voice, millions of Filipino voters – including 407,000 overseas Filipinos – have dramatically brought the Filipino nation to still another turning point in our history. The people have chosen lawyer and politician Rodrigo Duterte to lead them away from the crimes, ills, deceit, feebleness and decrepit morality of the past Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino regime. The desired change they cry for is certainly obvious: a solution to the basic Continue reading
Team Usana wins 2016 Ron Ordinario Memorial Friendship Basketball League Championship
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Champion Team: Team Usana (top), First Runner Up Team D’Hypers (middle) and Second Runner Up Team Budget (bottom)
The thud of the basketball on the court mixed with the running footsteps of the players, amid the cheers and shouts from the bleachers, marked the Championship Games of the First Ronald Ordinario Memorial Friendship Basketball League last Sunday, July 3. Team Usana bested Team D’Hypers with a 70-59 victory, to emerge as the Champion with Team D’Hypers as First Runner Up. Continue reading
PSA: Labour Trafficking Video
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Public Service Announcement (PSA) Videos about Labour Trafficking Amongst Migrant Worker Communities
The West Coast Domestic Workers’ Association (WCDWA)’s short public service announcement (PSA) video about labour trafficking amongst migrant worker communities is now available in Chinese, English, French, Hindi, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog.This is now available in 6 languages: https://goo.gl/UJMwoY
Access the videos and help WCDWA to raise awareness by distributing the PSA widely.Source: West Coast Domestic Workers’ Association
Marking International Domestic Workers Day: Stop CBSA’s Project Guardian
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Domestic work is still one of the lowest paid, the most undervalued, and the least protected form of employment. This is work that is done by the world’s 67 million people, mostly women. Of that number, 11.5 million are migrant domestic workers scattered all around the globe, including Canada.
Migrant groups call for PR on arrival and open work permits in Federal review of the TFWP
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Media Advisory
May 30, 2016
Migrant groups call for PR on arrival and open work permits in federal review of the TFWP
The perspective of TFWs are not being fully included in the current review of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, say TFWs and their advocates.
Pinoy TFWs and the Alberta Wildfire
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The wildfire that continues to blaze in Fort McMurray, Northern Alberta drove the massive evacuation of 88,000 residents and workers from their homes and work sites to the safety of evacuation centres or homes of friends and families in nearby towns or outside of the city.
Marco Luciano of Migrante Alberta at the emergency meeting
Letter from Migrante Alberta: On the Wildfire and the Migrant Workers
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Hello Friends and colleagues,
Most of you have asked, offered or initiated support and prayers to the migrant worker victims of the Fort MacMurray fire. The last four days were busy and stressful not only for some organizers in Migrante Alberta and friends but most especially for the migrant workers. Some workers that we initially greeted came down with only the clothes on their backs. They were picked up by buses from work and were not able to go home and get some clothes and supplies. Like most residents fleeing Fort Mac, they travelled 12 to 13 hours to Edmonton (the normal drive is only 5 hours). Migrants who came down worked in different sectors. Most of them in the service sectors (frontline food counter attendants, hotel and restaurant workers, and also caregivers). They went directly to the evacuation centre where they registered with the Red Cross. Continue reading
Sol Pillas (1958-2016): Migrant Warrior and Leader
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It is with great sadness that Migrante International announces the passing of Sol Pillas, friend, comrade and warrior for the promotion and protection of migrants’ rights.
Pillas passed away today, April 21, at 5:30am, seven months after suffering a massive stroke last September 2015. She was 58 years old.
Migrante International extends its most heartfelt condolences to Pillas’ family who have since embraced her activism, friends, colleagues and comrades, and the international community of human rights workers and migrants’ rights advocates that she served and upheld.
At the time of her death, Pillas was the Secretary-General of Migrante International, the largest global alliance of overseas Filipinos and their families. Continue reading
Food not Bullets! Global Day of Action for Kidapawan Farmers
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Global Day of Action to Protest the Kidapawan Massacre in
the Philippines
the PhilippinesFriday, April 8, 2016, 6:00 pm
Vancouver Art Gallery
Filipinos and concerned citizens around the globe are holding simultaneous acts of solidarity and support on the Global day of Action for Kidapawan Farmers this Friday, April 8th.
Legal Information Session for Migrant Workers
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Reply
Legal Information Session for Migrant Workers
From 2 to 4 pm on Saturday March 26, 2016.
days
hours
minutes
seconds
Our Legal Information Session for Migrant Workers is being held in partnership with West Coast Domestic Workers Association and Community Legal Assistance Society. Invite Migrant Workers and their friends to a free workshop.
To register please contact: Boying at 604-889-5477
Migrante Gala Fundraiser for Migrant Workers with Fay Faraday
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Moving Forward Together: Building Migrant Worker Security
Friday, March 18, 2016, 6 pm -10 pm
Holiday Inn at 711 W. Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets at $60 each (with dinner); Table of 8 at $450
For tickets, contact 604.879.5850/migrantebc@gmail.com
For cheque payments, please make out to “Migrante BC” and can be mailed to 4794 Fraser St. Vancouver V5V 4H3, Attn: Jane Ordinario
Keynote speaker: Fay Faraday, noted social justice lawyer; also a strategic adviser and policy consultant on human rights, labour, 
and constitutional law; litigator for unions, community organizations and coalitions for constitutional and human rights cases before the Supreme Court of Canada. Pushing back at the normalization of worker precariousness globally and domestically, Faraday’s keynote will issue a call to action and solidarity to map a vision for reform that builds security for all migrant workers. Continue reading
Invisibles and Disposables: International Migrants Day 2015
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Friday, Dec 18, 2015
Lakeview United Church
2776 Semlin Drive Vancouver, BC
5:30 PM doors open;Program starts 6:00 PM -8:00 PM
Learn more about the lives and stories of migrant and temporary foreign workers– the seasonal farm workers, caregivers, low-skilled temporary workers – at the celebration of International Migrants’ Day. There will be the telling of stories, the making of guacamole, the interpretative dancing, the artwork and photographs, and the gift of poetry.
Continue reading
Ronald “Nonoy” Ordinario: In Memoriam Dec 8, 1977 – Nov 5, 2015
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Ron, Nie-Ann, Ren, Ryan
His death touched not only the Filipino community but also the wider community. He was many things to many people and he was one of our own as well, one of Migrante BC’s own. Continue reading
New Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights: MoVE Campaign for Real Change
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Media Release: October 28, 2015 Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights – Canada (CMWRC) www.migrantrights.ca
Newly launched Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights – Canada calls for end to discrimination against migrant workers.
Press conference panel: Natalie Drolet-WCDWA, Jane Ordinario, Migrante BC. Julie Desta & Cenen Bagon, CDWCR, Raul Gatica, Migrant Workers Dignity, David Fairey, Employment Standards Coalition, Irene Lanzinger, BCFED, David Black, COPE 378,Victor Elkins, HEU
Migrante Canada: MoVe for Rights of Migrant Workers
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MOBILITY, VOICE AND EQUALITY:A Campaign of the Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights-Canada
A Statement from Migrante Canada
In the hunt for super-profits, big multinational corporations are desperately seeking markets for their surplus goods and sources of cheap raw materials and labour. The signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) is just the latest of a number of attempts by capitalist countries to open national borders so multinationals can freely run their profit-seeking operations under international trade agreements. Continue reading
Migrant worker groups call on Trudeau: MoVE for Real Change
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Media Advisory. October 26, 2015
Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights – Canada (CMWRC) www.migrantrights.ca
Newly launched Coalition for Migrant Worker Rights – Canada calls for end to discrimination against migrant workers
Migrant worker groups from across Canada are launching a historic coalition to call on Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government to end the discriminatory practice of tying migrant workers visa to specific employers and transition towards permanent immigration status upon arrival for migrant workers. Continue reading
July 30: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
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WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Join the West Coast Domestic Workers’ Association and partners like Migrante BC for the launch of a public service announcement on labour trafficking.
Thursday, 30 July 2015 at 7:00 pm @ St. Mary’s Parish basement, 5251 Joyce Street, Vancouver www.wcdwa.ca #endlabourtrafficking
Watch the public announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDSWcpxQK5g&feature=youtu.be
____________________
Migrante International, July 2015:
Illegal recruitment and human trafficking (p.13-14) In: SUMA: Summing-Up of the State of Migrants Under Aquino 5 years of Aquino: Myths of Migration and Development
Continue reading
Team Budget: Migrante Basketball Champions 2015!
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Team Budget: Champions of the Migrante BC Friendship Basketball League with coach Ben Lopez and Budget sponsor rep Bob Akehurst and families and friends.
New Westminster, B.C. — Team Budget played its very best on the court and won the Championship of the Men’s Friendship Basketball League organized by Migrante BC. The second place went to Team D’ Hipers and third place to Team Black Riders. Continue reading
Media Release: Canadian human rights advocates protest Canadian visit of Philippine Pres Aquino III
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Prime Minister is applying a double standard by inviting Philippine President Benigno Aquino to visit Canada from May 4-12, 2015.
PM Harper shakes hands with Philippine President BS Aquino III in 2012 (parl.gc.ca)
Canadian human rights advocates protest visit of Philippine President Aquino III
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From the: International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines-Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is applying a double standard by inviting President Benigno Aquino III. Last year, Harper cancelled his visit to Sri Lanka and closed the Tehran embassy because of human rights concerns. He refused to participate in a United Nations conference on disarmament because North Korea was the chair.
Source: Georgia Straight
Continue reading
At the Indonesian Consulate: Save the life of Mary Jane Veloso!
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On April 25, 2015, Filipino and Canadian supporters and advocates returned to the Indonesian Consulate in downtown Vancouver for a community gathering for Mary Jane Veloso. This was a chance to come together to show Mary Jane Veloso, her family and the international community that there are friends and supporters in British Columbia who stand united in their efforts to have her life spared.
At the Indonesian Consulate in Vancouver
Dear Noynoy Aquino: Save the life of Mary Jane Veloso
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Hon. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III
President of the Republic of the Philippines
c/o Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer
Philippine Consulate General
999 Canada Place, Suite 660 Vancouver, BC
April 24, 2015
Dear President Aquino,
As a community-based organization composed of Filipinos in the province of British Columbia, we write to you about our urgent concern for the plight of our kababayan Mary Jane Veloso.
As your office may be aware, Mary Jane was sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking. We believe she is innocent and we add our voice to the many others around the world who appeal to the Indonesian government for clemency. Continue reading
Dear Pres Widodo of Indonesia: Please save the life of Mary Jane Veloso
Featured
His Excellency Joko Widodo
President of the Republic of Indonesia
c/o Consul General Sri Wiludjeng
Consulate General of Indonesia
1630 Alberni Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6G 1A6
April 16, 2015
Dear President Joko Widodo,
As individuals and as representatives of various community organizations in the Lower Mainland – we join the many others in the Philippines, Indonesia and around the world who earnestly appeal for clemency for Filipino Mary Jane Veloso. Continue reading
Lower Mainland Filipinos join global campaign: Save the life of Mary Jane Veloso
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Filipinos in the Lower Mainland met on April 16, 2015 with Indonesian Consul General Sri Wiludjeng and Vice-Consul Esthy Putri Muryanti as part of the international campaign to save the life of Mary Jane Veloso.
Delegation included Tita Ching, Carol, Nanay Conching, Grefa, Lester, Maita, Daniela, Siony and Rene.
Migrante BC calls on migrants to speak out on deportations
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April 2, 2015 For immediate release
Migrante BC decries mass deportation of TFWs; calls on migrants to speak out
A community-based organization of Filipinos in British Columbia today called on migrant workers hit by the federal government’s “4 and 4” rule to come forward and speak out.
The rule refers to a federal policy that forces migrant workers to leave the country and not re-enter for another four years if they have been working here for four years or more. The law was enacted April 1, 2011 and it affects most migrant workers who have worked a cumulative of 4 years since then.
Credit: Migrante Alberta
Canada’s Shame: Mass Deportation of Temporary Foreign Workers
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Starting April 1, 2015, Canada has initiated the mass deportation of many temporary foreign workers (TFWs).This day stands as proof that Canada chooses to give up its obligations to temporary foreign workers in order to ensure a steady supply of cheap labour for businesses and employers in Canada. This day reduces the hope of migrant workers for a better future in Canada and the hope of all workers in Canada for better conditions and wages.
Credit: Huffington Post Canada
Ms. Nora Aunor: Speech at rally remembering Flor Contemplacion
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-Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor joins Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) led by Migrante International in commemorating the 20th death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion and calling for Pres. Benigno Aquino’s resignation. With Ms. Aunor is Russel, daughter of Flor.
Pope Francis. Pope of the Poor. My Kind of Pope.
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Tinig Migrante by E. Maestro
Pope Francis has been called the Pope of the Poor, the Pope from the Third World. One does not need to be one of the 1.1. billion Catholics (or 14% of the world’s population) to listen to him and be struck by his progressive declarations.
His visit to the Philippines on Jan 15 – Jan 19 is a major event and a lot of security measures are already in place – although what caught the public attention was the detail that the police officers were going to wear adult diapers underneath their uniforms that day, and the number of troop deployment of 17,000 soldiers and roughly 20,000 police officers to secure the Pope’s visit.
Lolita Robiños holds the picture of her son Romulos, abducted and missing since Nov. 17, 2006.
TFW family victimized by employer & immigration consultant faces uncertainty in 2015
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Press Release December 30, 2014
TFW family victimized by employer & immigration consultant faces uncertainty in 2015
Temporary Foreign Worker Honorato (JR) Peralta arrived in March 2009. His partner, Vanessa Tamondong, came in June that year also under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Since then, they married, had a son and thought they were following all the rules to get to their dream — permanent residency in Canada.
But all this shattered last fall when an immigration consultant, referred to them by their employer, submitted false information to the BC Provincial Nominee Program for JR’s application. This was also when they discovered Vanessa’s employer violated her work permit and the TFWP when they had her work at various locations in Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Continue reading
Invisibles and Disposables: Migrant Workers in Stories, Painting, Photography and Poetry
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Invisibles and Disposables: Migrant Workers in Stories, Painting, Photography and Poetry
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Britannia Branch 1661 Napier St (off Commercial Drive)
The situation of temporary migrant workers in Canada — the invisibles and the disposables — is seen through the lens of poetry and paintings, the sharing of stories, and the use of images.
Join grassroots organizers, migrant workers, and advocates who work and do their creative pursuits in their home and host languages: Spanish, Filipino, and English. Continue reading
Live-in Caregivers Forum: Who decides what’s next? You do!
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Live-in Caregivers Forum:
Sunday, November 2nd from 1:30pm to 4pm
South Vancouver Adult Daycare Centre
3076 E. 49th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Breaking news: LCP changes were just announced two days before the forum. We will touch on those changes as well. Migrante BC’s statement has been posted on the website as well.
LCP: Who decides what’s next? You do! Come join us! Your voice makes a difference!
“We are more than the dollars we send.”
Canadian government ends LCP, remains silent about question of permanent residency for caregivers
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Vancouver – A local caregiver and migrant worker group today expressed strong concerns over the announced changes to the Live-in Caregiver Program.
“While we welcome the end of the ‘live-in’ component – it’s extremely disappointing to see caregivers are still not given permanent residence upon arrival,” says Jane Ordinario, coordinator of Migrante-BC, who also decried the lack of open consultations with caregiver groups by the federal government on the issue. Continue reading
Local caregivers reveal govt plans to change LCP; call for permanent status
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PRESS RELEASE and Statement
October 9, 2014
For more info, please contact:Ai Li Lim (West Coast Domestic Workers Association) at 604-669-6452
Local caregivers reveal govt plans to change LCP; call for permanent status
Vancouver — In the past months, the federal government has signaled that it will overhaul the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) in response to alleged concerns that the program is “out of control” and has “mutated” into a family reunification program.
Local caregiver groups say the changes might include the elimination of the program altogether and given that the government has only engaged in “closed door consultations” – they are worried any changes will only worsen the situation of live-in caregivers. And that in effect, the government will be re-shaping the future of the program without consulting the communities that will be most impacted by the proposed changes.
Jane Ordinario of Migrante BC at the Oct 9 Press conference
Bahay Migrante Open House!
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Bahay Migrante as seen from Fraser St side
BAHAY MIGRANTE Open House
Saturday, October 4th, 2014
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
4794 Fraser St. (corner East 32nd St.)
All day Filipino breakfast (by donation), an Art Exhibit & Sale by the PANCIT Art Collective, and more!
For more info: migrante.bc@gmail.com
604-254-5850 www.migrantebc.com
Everything starts with a dream. For several years, we hoped to have somewhere to call our own. A place where we can meet the Filipino Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs), caregivers and immigrants that we assist and organize. At our Bahay Migrante Open House – we are proud to introduce you to our new home! Continue reading
Speak out against the changes to the LCP
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http://www.inclusivecan.ca/act/lcpmessage/ Tell your Member of Parliament to oppose changes that are brewing in closed door round table consultations being organized by the CIC. Click on the link to read and sign the petition.
Immigration Minister Chris Alexander and Employment Minister Jason Kenney are considering changes that will take away live-in caregivers’ right to permanent residency. This will lead to increased family separation and employee abuse, while doing nothing to solve Canada’s care crisis. Click here to learn more about how these changes will remove rights Canada gave to British and Nordic caregivers in the 1900s.
SUMA-TOTAL: Filipinos around the world want BS Aquino out (Summing-Up of the State of Migrants under Aquino 2014)
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Prepared by Migrante International July 2014
No More BS: Pinoy Migrants Call Out!
After four years of corruption, mendacity, puppetry, oppression and human rights violations, Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III (BS Aquino) has once again roused the Filipino people into collective action and determination to exercise their democratic power to bring about regime change as mounting calls for his ouster continue to gain strength around the country and all over the world. Read the full document here
Live-In Caregivers: Kenney’s New Scapegoats: Statement of Migrante BC
Featured
Minister Jason Kenney did it again. In his recent announcement about the Live-In Caregiver Program (LICP), he cast the blame on the live-in caregivers for the Federal Live-In Caregiver Program that “ran out of control”. This is the
same Minister who blamed the foreign temporary workers for stealing jobs from the locals and for making Canadian unemployment worse. Continue reading
On the “Changes” to the TFWP: Statement of Migrante BC
Featured
The announcements on the “changes” in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Minister’s handling of it have only fueled more debate about the program. One thing was clear though, the moratorium on the food services sector was over or so it seemed. The criticism of the TFWP however was not over. Continue reading
Free Workshop: Preparing for PR & Knowing More About the Library
Featured
July 6, 2014, Sunday
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Bahay Migrante
4794 Fraser Street (and E 32nd St.) Continue reading
Immigration Rules & Updates Workshop: Migrante BC Workshop Series
Featured
Speaker: Lawyer Tim Bailey Immigration & Refugee Lawyer
Specialties: Workers & LMOs, Students, Economic & Family Class Permanent Residents
Where:6106 Fraser St. Vancouver BC When: June 22, 2014 at 1:30-4:00 pm
This is a free program. Light snacks will be served.
To register/for more info: Please call 604.879.5850
email migrante.bc@gmail.com www.migrantebc.com
Reflections on Philippine Independence
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Migrante BC Statement on June 12 Philippine Event
Philippine independence is more than the wearing of national dresses and shirts, the celebratory feasts of Filipino food and the display of Pinoy hospitality, and the customary speeches. Independence is having national dignity and sovereignty, of Filipinos standing tall and proud, not subservient. Continue reading
Petitioning Minister Jason Kenney Don’t include TFWs already working in Canada in your moratorium.Let them stay!
Featured
Please click OR copy and paste the link; sign your name to the petition. THANKS.
http://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/prime-minister-harper-don-t-include-tfws-already-working-in-canada-in-your-moratorium-let-them-stay
Good enough to work, Good enough to stay! SIGN THE PETITION NOW!
Employment Standards workshop Sunday May 18
Featured
http://mrsquigleyswebsite.weebly.com/115-employment-standards-act.html
Free workshop by Migrante BC
May 18 2014, 2-5 pm, doors open at 1:30pm
6106 Fraser St. (corner E45th Street), MLA Elmore’s Community Office
As workers, do we know what our workplace rights are? What happens when these rights are violated? What happens if we complain?
Migrante Canada: Statement on the Human Trafficking Charges Against Philippine Diplomat
Featured
TORONTO – Migrante Canada, a Canada-wide alliance of 19 Filipino migrant and immigrant organizations, is calling on the Philippine government to immediately respond to the charges filed by the Ottawa police against Philippine Cultural Attaché Bueneflor Cruz and her husband Robert Cruz. Bueneflor worked as a staff member in the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa before she and her husband left Canada in early 2014. Continue reading
Churches Witnessing with Migrants in Stockholm
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Vancouver, BC – The Churches Witnessing With Migrants (CWWM) will hold its Fifth International Consultation on May 11, 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden. This parallel consultation will be held prior to the Seventh Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). The GFMD is a “state-led, informal and non-binding” process that was created during the first High Level Dialogue in September 2006, which has met annually since.
Rev S. Lyster at the 2013 International Human Rights Conference in the Phils.
CBC News: TFW advocate Jane of Migrante calls for permanent residency now
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NDP join advocates’ calls for pathway to permanent residence for workers already in Canada CBC News May 02, 2014 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/temporary-foreign-worker-advocates-speak-out-1.2630137 (See link for video feed)
Jane of Migrante BC calls for permanent residency; moratorium punishes TFWs
Advocates for temporary foreign workers say they should be supported, not deported and are calling for a pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers already working in Canada. Continue reading
Press Release: TFWs more vulnerable because of moratorium – says TFWs and advocates
Featured
May 2, 2014
Press con, May 2, 2014
Temporary foreign workers across the country are reeling from the negative impacts of the recent moratorium on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, says foreign workers and their advocates today at a press conference in Vancouver. Continue reading
MORATORIUM not a solution to the abuses of the TFW Program
Featured
Migrante Canada, the broad alliance of 19 Filipino migrant and immigrant groups in Canada, calls attention on the impact of the moratorium on the migrant workers already working in Canada and those with positive pending applications. Continue reading
Migrante Canada – International Labour Day 2014 Statement
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Labour Day symbolizes all the victories of workers against capitalist domination, exploitation and oppression.
In commemoration of International Labour Day on May 1st, we pay tribute to all the workers who marched, fought, and died for the rights and welfare of workers around the world. We also salute all the modern-day heroes, the migrant workers, in Canada and elsewhere. Continue reading
Racism rears its ugly head and migrant workers/immigrant communities take the beating
Featured
It would seem that there are many Canadians in BC who are angry, who are speaking loudly against migrant workers, especially Filipino workers, because according to them, these foreign workers are taking their jobs, are being given more hours and better pay, and are essentially being favoured over Canadians by the employers. These angry people call the radio stations, post hateful comments, betray their ignorance of the temporary foreign worker program and the situation of the migrant workers themselves. Continue reading
Migrante BC Workshop on Temporary Foreign Workers
Featured
Do you have rights as a TFW? What do you do if your rights are violated? TFWs pay their taxes, contribute to CPP and to EI – are they able to claim these?
Special feature: film showing of “End to Immigration?” — the documentary film on TFWs in Canada
Speaker: Lawyer Rene-John Nicolas, Associate lawyer, Victory Square Law Office
When: Sunday, May 20, 2014, 2 pm-5 pm
Where: 6106 Fraser St. (corner of E 45th Ave.) Vancouver Constituency Office, MLA Mable Elmore
Doors open at 1:30 pm. Light snacks available. Please come and join us!!
It’s Free but space is limited so please contact Marjorie @ 778-386-2858 or Migrante phone 604-879-5850 to reserve your seat!!!
TFWs in McDonald’s Case Highlights Need for Permanent Residency
Featured
PRESS RELEASE
Vancouver BC – Following reports about alleged violations of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program by a McDonald’s franchise owner in Victoria, a Filipino-Canadian community group today said that instead of bringing workers into Canada on a temporary basis, they should be brought in as permanent residents. Continue reading
Open Letter to the Philippine Consul General (on the issue of TFWs in Victoria)
Featured
April 8, 2014
Dear Hon. Consul General Ferrer,
We are writing with regards to the issue of the McDonald’s franchise in Victoria that is under investigation for allegedly violating the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Continue reading
Financial Management (April 6) : Migrante Series of Workshops
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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: FREE INFORMATION WORKSHOP series
APRIL 6, 2014
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Constituency Office of MLA Mable Elmore
6106 Fraser St (at East 45th Ave)
Space is limited so please contact Marjorie @ 778-386-2858 or Josie @ 778-928-8218 to reserve your seat!!!
Email: migrante.bc@gmail.com
Light snacks provided Continue reading
2 Videos: BALSA National Relief Caravan for Samar and Leyte Video & Launching of BALSA for Yolanda victims
Featured
Published on 9 Dec 2013
BALSA National Relief Caravan for Samar and Leyte (with English subtitles)
November 21-25, 2013
BALSA National Relief Caravan for Samar and Leyte by Kodao Philippines Continue reading
New Year’s Letter of Thanks For Your Solidarity Donation
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Migrante BC takes this opportunity to wish you a New Year that is kinder, peaceful and abundant for all of us, and more importantly, to say Thank you / Maraming Salamat for entrusting your generous donation to the relief efforts of Sagip Migrante (Migrante Relief), the relief formation of Migrante International and its members overseas, which includes Migrante BC. The support from the ordinary people, Filipinos and non-Filipinos, in British Columbia and the rest of Canada has been overwhelming. Continue reading
Local and International Bayanihan Saved My Family by Amie Dural Maga
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by Amie Dural Maga, Sagip Migrante Team New ZealandAmie Dural Maga, Migrante New Zealand with Coni Regalado in Tacloban Leyte.
“Habang nasa baha
y ng kapitbahay na tinuluyan ko, ang laging laman ng isip ko noon:Makikita ko pa kaya ang mga anak at apo ko? Pakisabi kay Dennis at sa lahat ng mga kaibigan niyo, maraming salamat sa pag-alala at paghahanap sa amin.” (While I was at my neighbour’s house where I evacuated, there was a constant thought in my mind: Will I ever see my children and grandchildren again? Please tell Dennis and all your friends, thank you so much for thinking about us and searching for us.) — Message from my mother, Ernesta “Nanay Guy” Dural
Dec 30 Update: Sagip Migrante Report
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December 30, 2013
Dear Members,
We hope you had a happy Christmas, despite the tragic and calamitous event that preceded this. We thought it fitting that we send to you our updated Sagip Migrante report before the year ends. The swift, kind, and generous support you gave for the survivors of the Supertyphoon Yolanda is somehow a symbol of hope for the new year’s challenges. Continue reading
Outpouring of Solidarity from BC: $15 K for the Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda
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By: Migrante BC (www.migrantebc.com; migrante.bc@gmail.com)
Vancouver, BC. — Over 20 organizations in British Columbia hosted the “Day of Solidarity with Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. Victims” at the Fraserview Banquet Hall last November 24. At least 200 people came to raise funds that went to three beneficiary organizations: Sagip Migrante, Oxfam, and Global Medic. Continue reading
Migrante calls for permanent residency for TFWs in Tim Hortons case/Dec 15 community rally in Fernie
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7 December 2013
Press Release
For more info, please call Jane Ordinario, 604-254-5850 Migrante BC
A local Filipino community group today renewed its call for permanent residency for all temporary foreign workers (TFWs) – in particular for the two TFWs at the centre of an Employment Standards Branch complaint against Tim Hortons. Continue reading
Updates from Sagip Migrante: November 24, 2013
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Updates: November 24, 2013 English translation follows the Tagalog text:
Pagbati, mga kasama,
Nais naming magpaabot ng initial at kagyat na update sa ating Sagip Relief activities – mula Nov. 18 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.
Sa kasalukuyan, pabalik na ang centralized relief mission na isinagawa ng multisektoral na umalis noong Nov. 21. Nakasama ang Sagip Migrante doon at nakapagpadala tayo ng 2 Brigada Migrante teams (6 na katao). Ang isang team ay sumama sa Relief Convoy at ang isang team naman natin ay dumerecho ng Tacloban, Leyte. Ito ay pinangunahan n gating MSP chair na si Coni at ang mga kasama mula Migrante New Zealand at Migrante Denmark/Radyo Pinoy. Continue reading
Initial report from Sagip Migrante: November 17
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…As you know, the devastation is unimaginable. Media reports have centered on Tacloban but please know that the devastation is so widespread as the supertyphoon cut across the whole Visayas Region and the northeastern part of Palawan. It made landfall 6 times, thus it is no wonder that communities in Samar, Cebu (like Bogo, Medellin and San Remigio) , Negros Occidental (northern part), Iloilo (like Estancia), Capiz, Aklan and Coron in Palawan. Communications and power lines are still down in many parts and news reports say that power lines in the affected provinces of Panay might not have electricity till December. Guian Samar is still isolated and quite inaccessible (transpo fare from Catbalogan is P4000!!!). And currently, there is now a mass exodus from EV- people leaving their communities, their provinces and even the region. Continue reading
Sagip Migrante calls for Donations for Typhoon Victims
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The ‘Sagip Migrante Fund Drive’ is a fund-raising effort of Migrante to gather financial support for typhoon victims in the Philippines.
Currently, our fund drive is to raise money for the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). According to documented reports, at least 300 people have been confirmed killed and 2,000 people are reported missing from typhoon-battered Samar province. In Leyte, authorities estimates that more than 10,000 were killed by the storm and the death toll in other typhoon-hit areas is rising as well. Continue reading
Diamond Jubilee Medal Awarded to Migrante BC Community Organizers
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Vancouver, BC. — Migrante BC is proud to announce that Jane Ordinario and Leo Alejandria, both community organizers, were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at two separate medal awarding ceremonies in Vancouver. Continue reading