Initially organized as an in-person event at the MOSAIC headquarters, the Consulate General had to shift to a virtual platform (via zoom and Facebook livestreaming) at the last minute due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. There were at least 170 registrants to the event, which was also supported by the MOSAIC, a government-funded settlement and employment services organization, the Progressive Intercultural Community Services, a government-funded organization which provides various training services to migrant workers and international students, and the Western Community College, which offers government-funded programs for its international students, many of who are Filipinos.
The conference was opened by the CEO of MOSAIC, Ms. Olga Stachova, who underscored the importance of MOSAIC’s services for immigrants, as well as its thrusts in providing more support for non-permanent residents, such as international students and migrant workers. Minister Anne Kang of the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs, in her keynote address, spoke of the significant impact of the Filipino community on the province’s past, present and future, and how they made BC stronger through their skills, talents and contributions. Fil-Canadian MLA Mable Elmore assured the participants that the government will continue the important work of protecting the rights and welfare of newcomers and encouraged them to keep advocating, in turn, for their concerns. She cited, as an example of successful advocacy the BC government’s commitment to build a Filipino cultural center and asked for the participants’ support and involvement in the project. And, Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria acknowledged the organizational partners, resource persons and facilitators who helped make the Conference happen.
