Ottawa – Today, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced the State visit to Canada of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to take place in early May.
“It is with great pride that I share this news with my fellow kababayans here in Canada,” said the Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator for Ontario, in a statement. “This is a sign of the affirmation of our two countries’ growing ties both on a person-to-person and a government-to -government level,” he continued.
There are nearly 800,000 Canadians of Filipino heritage living in Canada, and the Philippines is one of the largest source countries for immigration. The country also plays an important role in filling the gap in the Canadian workforce through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. In 2013, Canadian merchandise exports to the Philippines were $603.3 million, while Canadian imports from the Philippines were valued at $1.1 billion. Canada’s trade and investment relationship with the Philippines spans many sectors.
In addition, Canada and Canadians have on a number of occasions proved their commitment to the Philippines by assisting with the recovery efforts after humanitarian disasters like Typhoon Haiyan, which resulted in $170 million in aid.
“ I am confident that the ties between our two countries will be further strengthened as a result of this important visit, and that the groundwork will be laid for real progress in our official relationship,” said Senator Enverga. Senator Enverga will join the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister for International Trade, for an official trade mission to Manila and Cebu in the Philippines, from May 24 to 28, 2015.