The Philippines and the Canadian province of Nova Scotia have entered into a landmark agreement that will open more doors for Filipino workers while ensuring their protection and rights in the international labor market.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) formalized the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Monday in Mandaluyong City, marking the launch of the Cooperation Alliance Initiative (CAI) with Nova Scotia officials. The collaboration focuses on labor mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and mutual interests in training and employment.
“This is not just a document,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in an Inquirer.net report. “It represents our shared vision to creating meaningful opportunities for Filipino workers in Canada, and all over the world.”
The agreement outlines measures to simplify recruitment, enhance credential recognition, prevent illegal recruitment, and prepare Filipino workers for employment through expanded training programs. It also aims to reinforce ethical hiring and foster stronger community integration for Filipinos abroad.
Nova Scotia’s Minister of Advanced Education Brendan Maguire acknowledged the deep contribution of Filipinos, saying, “Filipino workers play a vital role in strengthening our communities and our economy. Not only do they contribute as skilled workers, but they contribute as neighbors, friends, and active members of our society.”
Leading the negotiations for the Philippine side, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan highlighted that the MOU includes vital protections—from mutual recognition of Filipino workers’ qualifications to reintegration support for those returning home.
“We also need to enhance and strengthen our efforts against trafficking, scams, fraud, and workers’ rights violations,” Caunan said.
The agreement includes commitments to collaborate on training scholarships, seminars, and facility upgrades to align Filipino worker skills with emerging global industry demands.
Nearly 6,000 Filipinos currently live in Nova Scotia, according to DMW data, and more than 3,000 were deployed there in 2024 alone. This partnership is expected to enhance both the quantity and quality of overseas employment while deepening ties between the two communities.
