Kababayan Member of Parliament (MP) Rechie Valdez will be taking the reins of the Canada-Philippines Interparliamentary Group as its new chair. The announcement was posted this morning on her LinkedIn page.
Valdez expressed appreciation for her new role and thanked past chair MP Kevin Lamoureux of Winnipeg North for his years-long leadership of the group.
“I am excited to embark on this opportunity. I look forward to working with the vice chairs, directors, and board members,” said Valdez who was elected to the House of Commons in 2021 to represent the federal riding of Mississauga-Streetsville.
The Canada-Philippines Interparliamentary Group had its modest beginnings in 2011 with only four members. Over the years, the group has grown to include approximately 50 parliamentarians from all parties, and from both the House of Commons and the Senate.
Among the group’s activities are a flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill to celebrate Philippine Independence, and an official trip to the Philippines every couple of years to strengthen socio-cultural ties between the two countries.
A recent addition to the group is another parliamentarian of Filipino heritage, Dr. Flordeliz Osler who was appointed to the Senate of Canada in October.
photo credit: Rechie Valdez’ LinkedIn page