On August 9, 2015 The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator from Ontario, joined thousands of fellow kababayans at the Memorial South Park in Vancouver, British Columbia to celebrate the largest outdoor Filipino cultural festival in British Columbia, Pinoy Fiesta Vancouver.

“It is great to be in Vancouver and see so many fellow kababayans come out to support this celebration of our heritage,” said Senator Enverga in a statement. “The large number of attendees is a true testament to the growing importance that Filipino Canadians play in our new home country, both as contributors to the economy and to the multicultural landscape that makes Canada the best country in the world,” he continued.

Senato Enverga was one of several representatives from the federal government, with the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Defence and Multiculturalism, being the most senior of the dignitaries. Other attendees included the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, the Honourable Yonah Martin, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South.

With the Philippines becoming the largest source country of permanent residents to Canada last year with over 40,000 applications accepted, and Filipino Canadians having the highest employment rate of any group in Canada, kababayans are continuing to immigrate to Canada in increasing numbers.

“The fact is that with the numbers showing real contributions byimmigrants coming from the Philippines to Canada, we are sought after as employees and as neighbours. We are known to work hard, to speak good English, and to be caring members of our communities. In addition, the relationship between our two countries is getting stronger through peopleto-people ties, trade, and development cooperation. I am very proud to represent all Filipino Canadians in the Parliament of Canada,” Senator Enverga ended. The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator from Ontario, joined hundreds of fellow kababayans at the David Pecaut Square in Toronto, Ontario to participate in the ANCOP Walk last August 15, 2015.

“It continues to be a privilege to participate in the ANCOP Walk,” said Senator Enverga in a statement. “I have been a proud supporter of ANCOP Walk for the past 11 years, and it is very encouraging to see that community support continues to grow every year. There is nothing more Canadian than to lend our support to those who need it the most.”

ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) is a Catholic community organization founded by Couples for Christ with chapters in over 100 countries. ANCOP Walk is an annual fundraising activity that provides resources for deserving families in the Philippines and other third world countries. Proceeds from the activity are allocated for housing and education projects that are administered by ANCOP and their international partners.Senator Enverga was joined by colleagues from the Government of Canada including Minister of Finance Joe Oliver, representatives of the Philippine Government and members of the Filipino Canadian community for the 4 kilometre walk throughout downtown Toronto.