The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the province of Nova Scotia in Canada agreed to open more opportunities for Filipino workers while ensuring that their safety and rights are protected.

On Monday, the DMW signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a Cooperation Alliance Initiative (CAI) on labor mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and other areas of interest with officials from Nova Scotia in Mandaluyong City.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the landmark agreement would streamline recruitment processes, promote credential recognition, safeguard against recruitment fraud and illegal recruitment, expand access to training and employment opportunities for Filipino workers, and strengthen coordination on labor mobility through Nova Scotia’s provincial immigration program.

“These agreements are not mere documents, rather, [they] represent our shared vision to creating meaningful opportunities for Filipino workers in Canada, and all over the world,” Cacdac said.

He also emphasized that the agreement extends beyond deploying workers, aiming instead to create a system where Filipinos are valued, protected, and empowered through ethical recruitment, skills recognition, and strong community ties abroad.

He said the agreement comes as the Philippines continues to strengthen labor diplomacy under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue high-quality, protective agreements with host countries.

Since its inception in 2022, Cacdac said the DMW has already signed 15 bilateral labor instruments across the globe.

Nova Scotia Minister of Advanced Education Brendan Maguire, meanwhile, said the province has long recognized the value Filipino workers bring, not just to the economy but to society at large.

He said the new pact focuses on ensuring that Filipino workers are not only hired fairly, but also welcomed as full members of their host communities.

“Filipino workers play a vital role in strengthening our communities and our economy. Not only do they contribute as skilled workers, but they contribute as neighbors, friends, and active members of our society. Workers should be set up for success and employers should feel well supported,” Maguire said.

Former DMW Undersecretary and now Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who led the Philippine side during the negotiations, stressed that the MOU includes critical safeguards from mutual recognition of education credentials and experiences of Filipino workers, to stronger reintegration support for returning OFWs.

“We look forward to working with Nova Scotia authorities in ensuring sound and equitable recruitment and employment practices. We also need to enhance and strengthen our efforts against trafficking, scams, fraud, and workers’ rights violations,” she said.

The MOU also commits Nova Scotia to collaborate on training scholarships, seminars, and the modernization of Philippine facilities to prepare workers for emerging industry demands.

“Together we are taking a step forward not only to meet our labor needs but to build a system that upholds dignity, fairness and opportunity for all,” Maguire said.

DMW data showed Nova Scotia is home to nearly 6,000 Filipinos, while over 3,000 more were deployed to the province in 2024. (PNA)