Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 14) — Ties between Manila and Ottawa now face a “turning point” as both sides reaffirm their commitment to deepen bilateral relations, according to Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman.
The envoy told CNN Philippines that the two countries can advance their interests in \”agriculture, arts, science, commerce, environment, and business opportunities.\”
\”Time for ambition means let us be assertive and let’s take advantage of opportunities and don’t let it pass by,\” he added.
Hartman also praised the growing people-to-people exchange between Canada and the Philippines.
\”Our relationship is a familial one, there are a million Canadian citizens of Filipino in origin, and these are not OFWs [overseas Filipino workers], these are citizens who have settled in Canada,\” the ambassador said.
Hartman also said Canada will be opening more job opportunities that Filipinos could explore.
\”Canada is always pleased to have more Filipino workers in the country. We have a lot of demand again in agri-food sector, food processing, meat industry, packing industry even at the retail level,\” he noted.
\”While we are welcoming more Filipinos to go to Canada for work opportunities, we really want this to be mutually advantageous relationship. We are looking for opportunities defined as win-win, so opportunities for Canadian businesses to come here or for Filipinos to stay as well in their home country,\” the envoy added. \”The human capital here in the Philippines is valuable and I think your people are really such a tremendous asset.\”
