DMW: Canada eyes hiring more Pinoy healthcare workers, proposes scholarship fund for nursing students

Manitoba, Canada is keen on hiring more Filipino healthcare workers and is  proposing to provide a scholarship fund for Filipino nursing students, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Jon Reyes paid a courtesy call on DMW Secretary Susan Ople to discuss the labor cooperation between the Philippines and the Canadian province on Wednesday.

The DMW said Reyes expressed interest in hiring more skilled Filipino health professionals under a new program which would financially support Filipino nurses.

The department said this program will include the provision of airfare, accommodation, and training of the Filipino healthcare workers.

The Canadian province also proposed a scholarship fund for Filipino nursing students who wish to work in Canada, according to the DMW.

For her part, Ople expressed her gratitude to the Canadian government for their hospitality and recognizing the professionalism of Filipino health professionals.

“It’s very natural to our Filipino nurses, to our healthcare professionals to see every patient as a member of the family or a friend. Being warm, hospitable, caring, and hopeful are some of the qualities of our Filipino nurses that makes us proud,” Ople said.

Canada earlier announced that 1,000 nurses were needed in one of its provinces.

Saskatchewan Health Minister Paul Merriman said those who would be hired would be given an initial salary of around P150,000, according to JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras.”

They will be eligible for other benefits Canadian employees enjoy. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News