18 March 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila P. Garcia visited Calgary, Alberta on March 14 and met with key Alberta government officials and members of the Filipino community.

Ambassador Garcia met with Alberta Premier Jim Prentice, along with Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour Ric McIver and Minister of Infrastructure Manmeet Bhullar.

Premier Prentice acknowledged the significant contributions of the growing Filipino community in Alberta, particularly in Calgary.

Ambassador Garcia thanked the Premier for warmly receiving her in the dynamic city of Calgary and expressed optimism that Alberta will continue to be a strong economic powerhouse in Canada.  She gave Premier Prentice an information packet on tourism in the Philippines, including trade and investment opportunities in the country. 

Ambassador Garcia and Minister McIver had extensive discussions on a number of important issues affecting the Filipino community in the province, such as the changes to the temporary foreign workers program, the bridging work permit, education and recognition of credentials.

Ambassador Garcia also met with officials of the ATB Financial, who informed her about the bank’s “Filipino initiative” and support for various community projects.  

In a dialogue with leaders and members of the Filipino community, Ambassador Garcia provided an update on the status of the proposed establishment of a Consulate General in Calgary. She underlined that the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver are working closely to realize this at the earliest possible time.

Ambassador Garcia was accompanied during her visit by Consul General Neil Ferrer, who informed the community of the Consulate’s plan to conduct 16 consular outreach services in Alberta this year, with nine outreach services scheduled in Calgary. 

Ambassador Garcia encouraged the community to register as overseas voters and take part in the national elections in 2016.  END