Vancouver-based group gets set for influx of OFWs to Canada

MANILA, Philippines - A support group called Multicultural Helping House Society is getting ready to assist thousands of Filipinos expected to enter Canada's growing labor market, particularly in the provinces of Vancouver.

In a statement Thursday, the MMHS, a non-profit society organized by Filipino-Canadians, said it is dedicated to help newcomers-individuals and families to integrate into the community and make them successful.

Founded in 2003, MMHS claims to have processed more than 30,000 expatriate workers in Canada, mostly Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, Koreans, Chinese, Africans and Spanish-speaking individuals.

Amador N. Mercado, MMHS board director and president of the Filipino-Canadian Construction Society, said the society is gearing up for the arrival of more Filipino migrant workers both temporary and permanent this year in preparation of the Winter Olympics to be held in Vancouver in 2010.

Mercado recently held talks with Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to discuss a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with his construction group that will help Filipino contract workers assimilate Canadian working conditions and labor laws while in Canada on temporary status or immigrant visa.

Brion is expected to sign the MOU in Vancouver next month when he opens the new POLO office headed by Labor Attache Bernardino Julve, which is specifically set-up for the influx of more OFWs into the Canadian workforce.

The latest data from Canada shows that Asians comprise 60 percent of immigrants of the total 280,000 migrants annually into the country with Filipinos coming in with 20 percent of total migrants.

Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration revealed that more than 9,000 contract workers entered Canada in 2007.

DOLE has set up a Canada desk manned by POEA director Salome Mendoza to assist job applicants. There are at least 400,000 job vacancies all over Canada with Vancouver alone needing 30,000 workers for construction jobs and hospitality services in preparation for the 2010 Winter Games.

Among the services MMHS offers is called the Bamboo Network which aims to integrate immigrants into the Canadian labor market.

The group will help in the evaluation of immigrant’s credentials, technical upgrade, professional certification and licensing.

It will also provide opportunities for professional training, workplace practice, apprenticeship and full time employment, the statement said.

Another feature of the Bamboo Network for skilled immigrants is an employment support program for professionals and businessmen.

The program offers a two-week job search workshop, one-on-one employment counseling, referrals to mentors in the same profession or trades, case management services, networking sessions, skills and job exchange, and assistance with job apprenticeship placements

The MMHS will also help new immigrants get temporary lodging.
The MHHS is headed by Tom Avendaño, a former Pasay City councilor. It is located at 4802 Fraser Street (cor 32nd), Vancouver , British Columbia with tel. 604-879-3277 and website: www.helpinghouse.org. - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV

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