On March 8, International Women’s Day, Canada’s Small Business Minister, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, stopped by the Barangay Canada vodcast to chat with host Kabarangay Kris Ontong about the new Home Care Worker pilots.
The Canadian government unveiled a new immigration pathway designed to make it easier for caregivers to obtain permanent residency. The announcement, made on March 7 by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, alongside Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ya’ara Saks and Valdez, marks a significant milestone for caregivers who have long advocated for changes in the immigration system.
Key Changes
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, the new pilot programs include:
✔ Easier Application Process – A more direct pathway for caregivers seeking permanent residency.
✔ Lower Language Requirement – The previous high language requirement has been reduced to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4, making it easier for more applicants to qualify.
✔ Clearer Pathway to Permanent Residence – The new pilot program provides a faster and more transparent process for caregivers to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot officially launches on March 31, 2025. Full details are now available on the IRCC website, where applicants can check their eligibility.
Why Is This Important for the Filipino-Canadian Community?
With the majority of caregivers coming to Canada being Filipinos, they play a vital role in caring for the elderly, children, and other vulnerable individuals. This new pilot program is crucial in helping them secure a stable and permanent future in Canada.
According to Minister Valdez, “Caregivers from the Philippines and abroad provide the best care for Canadian families. Compassion and caregiving are part of who we are as Filipinos.”
While the new caregiver program is a major boost for the Filipino community in Canada, another issue currently affecting many small business owners—including Filipino entrepreneurs—is the ongoing US-Canada trade war. Valdez addressed this pressing concern by reassuring Canadians that the government is standing firm against unjustified American tariffs.
“American tariffs on Canada are completely unjustifiable and completely unacceptable. And as a result, we are responding firmly,” Minister Valdez stated.
The federal government has introduced $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs and has pledged $500 million in support for businesses impacted by tariffs through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). These measures aim to help Canadian businesses stay afloat, strengthen operations, and diversify their markets.
Aside from tariff-related aid, Minister Valdez highlighted long-term efforts to support small businesses, including lowering corporate taxes and reducing credit card transaction fees by up to 27% for Visa and Mastercard users.
Mark Carney: The Next Liberal Leader?
Asked about the upcoming Liberal leadership race, Valdez reiterated her strong endorsement of Mark Carney as the next Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister. Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of Canada and respected economist, is widely seen as a steady hand capable of navigating Canada through economic uncertainty.
“With his experience in leadership, I believe he is the best positioned to handle the situation with the American tariffs and President Trump,” Valdez asserted.
The results of the Liberal Party leadership vote are expected to be announced on March 9, and should Carney emerge victorious, it could mark a turning point in Canada’s economic strategy and trade relations.
Support Canadian, Shop Local!
Minister Valdez closed the interview with a call to action for Filipino Canadians and all small business supporters:
“There is no better time to choose Canada—to support local, shop local, and always stand by our small businesses. They are the backbone of our Canadian economy.”
Valdez is the first Filipino-Canadian woman to serve in the federal cabinet. Before entering politics, she was an entrepreneur and community leader known for her advocacy in supporting small businesses and underrepresented communities. Elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville in 2021, she has focused on championing small business growth, lowering transaction fees, and ensuring entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive.