Celebrating Filipino-Canadian Month in Saskatchewan

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Laura Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport in Sask. designated the month of June to be Filipino-Canadian Month in Saskatchewan. It’s a time for Saskatchewan residents to recognize the invaluable contributions that people of Filipino descent have made in Canada, socially and in our culture and economy.

According to Canadian Heritage, nearly one million Filipino people call Canada home, making this community one of the fastest-growing in all of Canada. A 2016 census showed that Saskatchewan had more than doubled its Filipino community since 2011, with the latest data showing 20,045. And that number will be much higher in 2021. All their neighbours, friends, employers, and co-workers genuinely appreciate their hard work and their overall hospitable and friendly attitude.

Jeff Santos moved to Kindersley in November of 2010 because of a job opportunity available at Tim Hortons. “A friend mentioned Tim Hortons was looking for more employees, so I passed on my resume, came to Kindersley and started working. It was a good opportunity to earn more money than I could have earned in the Philippines,” he said. Now Jeff owns and operates his own business, Swirl Cafe on Main Street.

Jeff moved from the city of Manila with an approximate population of 1.78 million to Kindersley, Sask, with just under 5,000. Although it was a considerable change, Jeff found the transition went smoothly.

“There were already Philippine workers when I started, so I didn’t have a culture shock because I was able to have Philippine conversation every now and then. For me, it really worked out well,” he said. “To be honest, I was glad to be in a small town; I don’t have to commute to work, and everything is close, much less stressful. Small town vibe is something I really like.”

Canadian winters didn’t even discourage Jeff. “The first few years, I was excited about winter; seeing the white fluffy snow was like a dream. But after a few years of experiencing -40 temperatures, you kind of ask yourself, why did I move here?” Jeff laughed. But he reassures himself, knowing he can visit the Philippines and enjoy tropical beaches.

Another Filipino who is now a permanent resident in Canada lives and works in Kindersley. Jen Malana moved to Cold Lake, Alberta, in 2014 as a temporary worker. A few years later, she moved to Kindersley, where she was employed in the food industry, and she now works as a healthcare worker.

She moved to Canada, where there were more and better opportunities available. “Back home, everything is very expensive, so you can’t afford to buy much. Here you can buy anything you want,” she said. “The people are very kind, and it’s a big country, so I have lots of places to visit. I love the beautiful nature.”

Jen and her husband Miguel have a young son, Jamil. “We appreciate the child tax benefit, which we don’t have back home, and free healthcare,” Jen added. “I don’t like the winters, but I’m not complaining.”

People throughout Saskatchewan are grateful to our Filipino friends who are making such a huge contribution to our province.

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Jen and Miguel Malana and son Jamil.

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