20 March 2026, Vancouver B.C. - Deputy Consul General Paul Vincent Uy attended the convention entitled, “Tulay at Gabay 2025: Supporting Filipino Migrants Facing Uncertainty Amid Canada’s Shifting Immigration Landscape,” which was organized by the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia (UPAABC) at the Civic Autograph Hotel in Surrey, BC on 14 March 2026. The following Canadian government officials also attended the convention:
- Surrey City Mayor Brenda Locke
- Member of Parliament Jake Sawatzky (New Westminster, Burnaby & Maillardville)
- Burnaby City Councillor Maita Santiago
In his welcome remarks, DCG Uy:
- congratulated UPAABC for announcing the results of its study on the immigration-related challenges of Filipino workers and the suggested policy changes to address them;
- recognized that Canada-based Filipinos are both the modern-day heroes of the PH and the backbone of various socio-economic sectors contributing to Canada’s economic growth and productivity; and
- announced several similar projects of Vancouver PCG to support the Filipino workers’ immigration goals in Canada.
UPAABC’s study was based on (a) two conventions held in Vancouver and Victoria; and (b) survey conducted from 14 June 2025 to 25 October 2025 involving one hundred twenty-one (121) Filipino respondents. UPAABC President Stephen Andrada announced the following results of the said study:
- Immigration-Related Challenges of OFWs in BC:
- Uncertainty in Immigration Pathways
- Immigration Processing Delays and Employment Insecurity
- Specific Caregiver Challenges
- Challenges in Credential Recognition
- Challenges in Navigating Policy Changes
- Calls to Action Towards these Challenges:
- Stability of Immigration Policies and Procedures
- Fairness of Requirements
- Clarity of Processes
- Compassion via Support Programs
- Cooperation thru Formal Consultation Mechanisms with Stakeholders
- Consultations with Other Stakeholders:
- Employers
- Community Support Groups
- Policy Makers
In her message, Surrey City Mayor Brenda Locke recognized the important role of Filipino migrants in Canada and expressed appreciation for UPAABC’s study which could be used by Canadian government officials to support Filipino workers struggling with their immigration status.
