THE Canadian province of Saskatchewan is actively promoting health-care work prospects for Filipinos exploring enhanced career opportunities and better quality of life.
Minister of Health Paul Merriman, who was joined by government officials and representatives from Saskatchewan Health Authority—the province’s largest health-care employer—along with post-secondary institutions, shared the said propositions in a reception on November 29.
“I am honored to lead Saskatchewan’s delegation on this important mission that builds on our province’s strong relationship with the Philippines,” Merriman said. “I look forward to [learn] more about this country that trains excellent health-care workers [HCWs] who deliver high-quality care, with great compassion.”
The minister was scheduled to participate in targeted meetings with key officials from partner-agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, to “reinforce Saskatchewan’s important relationship with the Philippines” and explore innovative partnership linkages.
He also joined events aimed at strengthening the collaboration on health care among postsecondary institutions.
The delegation members hosted information sessions throughout the week of the reception for Filipino HCWs who are interested in moving to Saskatchewan, as they assisted potential job candidates with processes on licensing and regulatory, immigration, relocation support, and other relevant information.
The Embassy of Canada reported that 3,000-plus applications were received for the sessions, as hundreds of invitations have been sent to eligible attendees.
Merriman assured that they will fully assist Filipino HCWs armed with skills, qualifications, education and training credentials as they enter the local labor force: “We will also provide needed…support for families settling in our communities. We are committed to following ethical principles in [their onboarding], while creating a positive environment that makes us a top destination of choice for their employment.”
The embassy shared that Saskatchewan has experienced great success in welcoming and integrating Filipino HCWs. Home to a thriving, vibrant and growing Filipino-Canadian population of over 36,000 residents born in the Philippines, the province is preparing to welcome additional health-care professionals and their families into its friendly communities.
Opportunities abound
THE minister noted that in the last 15 years, Saskatchewan’s population grew by about 1.5 million, as it saw notable progress and investments in agriculture and other sectors. Notwithstanding, he revealed the province’s dearth in skilled professionals, particularly in health care and allied disciplines.
Merriman openly mentioned their “critical need” for nurses; thus the active recruitment of the said Filipino workers.
Once onboarded, he said they can look forward to “excellent work conditions,” enjoy one of the “highest compensations” in the province and “seamless integration” with Saskatchewan society, while maintaining work-life balance.
The minister also disclosed the initial requirement of 200 to 300 HCWs, where the retention rate in their line of work is at “90 percent.”
He was also scheduled to meet with officials from the Department of Migrant Workers to discuss Saskatchewan’s work offering to Filipino HCWs.
Known as the “Land of Living Skies,” Saskatchewan is in the heart of Western Canada. According to the embassy, it is home to more than 1.19 million people of various faiths, backgrounds and beliefs.
The province covers 651,900 sq. kilometers; half of the province is covered by forest, one-third is farmland, and one-eighth is freshwater. The landscape is diverse, “and so are the people and the many opportunities the province has to offer.” With a report from Mike Policarpio
Image credits: Mike Policapio