B.C. HOLDS FIRST JOB FAIR IN THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA – British Columbia employers will be participating in the Province’s first ever job fair in the Philippines, providing Filipinos with the opportunity to explore employment opportunities in B.C.’s hospitality/tourism and transportation sectors, said Advanced Education and Labour Market Development Minister Murray Coell.

“Immigrant populations are a major source of skilled workers, and B.C. leads the country in attracting new residents, helping our businesses fill labour shortages,” said Coell.

The job fair takes place on Oct. 7 in Quezon City, Metro Manila. It will be hosted by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, an agency of the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment, which has pre-screened Filipino applicants for the qualifications needed by the B.C. employers taking part. Staff from the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will also take part.

This event follows the January 2008 signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Province and the Philippine government to help address labour shortages in British Columbia and support human resource development in the Philippines.

The MOU will improve the selection process of workers to meet B.C. employers’ needs, expedite the foreign worker approval process and continue to promote ethical and equitable recruitment and employment standards. The Philippine government has also established a labour office in Vancouver, supporting Filipino workers and helping to link employers with potential employees.

British Columbia employers can recruit Filipinos as immigrants under the B.C. PNP or as temporary foreign workers. The PNP allows B.C. to select skilled immigrant workers based on their ability to contribute to the local economy. Nominees receive expedited processing of their applications for work permits and permanent residence.

For more information on the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program, visit www.pnp.gov.bc.ca and on work opportunities in B.C., visit www.workbc.ca.

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Media contact:	Richard Chambers Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 361-7241 (cell)
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http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008ALMD0070-001534.htm