New Ethical Recruitment Framework Strengthens Filipino-Canada Labor Ties
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Nova Scotia, Canada, have signed a groundbreaking agreement to promote ethical recruitment and match Filipino workers’ skills with local labor demands. This ethical recruitment framework aims to ensure dignity and fairness while opening new opportunities for Filipino migrants.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Nova Scotia Minister of Advanced Education Brendan Maguire formalized the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 9 at the DMW office in Mandaluyong City. “This agreement is a testament to our shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties and promote a labor migration system grounded in dignity, fairness, and opportunity,” Cacdac noted. Both parties seek to create a sustainable, people-centered mobility program that benefits Filipino workers and Nova Scotia employers alike.
Focused Training and Support for Workers
The MOU outlines key provisions such as ethical recruitment, pre-deployment and technical training through prestigious Philippine institutions like TESDA, Philippine General Hospital, and the University of the Philippines Manila. It also includes reintegration support for returning workers to help them adjust and thrive after their assignments abroad.
Minister Maguire praised the dedication of Filipino workers, highlighting that 58 percent of job orders from Nova Scotia target the healthcare sector. Skilled trades such as carpentry and construction also feature prominently in the demand.
Initial Deployment and Growing Opportunities
Under this ethical recruitment framework, an initial group of 120 Filipino workers will be deployed, with 42 job orders already confirmed. More positions are expected as the partnership grows. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) supports this initiative, with Assistant Secretary Jose Victor John Gonzaga calling it a “new era of collaboration” between the Philippines and Nova Scotia.
This agreement builds on a Joint Declaration of Intent signed earlier in February 2024 in Taguig City, which laid the foundation for enhanced labor cooperation. As of June 2025, over 3,000 Filipino workers have been deployed to Canada through private agencies, alongside 151 workers hired directly.
Collaborative Efforts Witnessed by Officials
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from DMW, DFA, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Canadian Embassy. Among those present were OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan and DMW Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia. These leaders emphasized the importance of ethical recruitment in protecting Filipino workers and fostering strong international partnerships.
This ethical recruitment framework marks a significant step toward creating fair and transparent pathways for Filipino workers seeking opportunities abroad, especially in the growing Canadian labor market.
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