Inkster MLA Kevin Lamoureux returned to Winnipeg on February 11 from a trip to the Philippines where he conducted immigration workshops in four provinces. Lamoureux explained the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program to potential immigrants in Cavite, Pangasinan, Bulacan and Laguna.

Lamoureux also met with University of the Philippines president Dr. Emerlinda Roman to discuss establishing an academic relationship between the UP and Manitoba Universities. The MLA also attended a mass with Fr. Enrique Samson of Winnipeg’s St. Peter’s Church on his home island of Siquijor in the Visayas. Kevin Lamoureux shares details of his trip in this special report. – Editor

The primary purpose of my trip to the Philippines was to provide information to people who were interested in immigrating to Canada through the Manitoba Nominee program. The four workshops went well, drawing over 2000 participants.

Academic ties between Canada & the Philippines

Another reason for the trip was to explore the possibility of establishing academic ties between Philippine and Manitoban universities. I raised this issue in the Manitoba Legislature back in May 2009 when I talked about how we should be encouraging more and better communication between Universities in Manitoba and universities in countries like the Philippines.

In fact, I wrote a story in the Pilipino Express last September commenting on what I, and others, believe could be taking place between universities. I reported on a discussion that I had with Dr. Lloyd Axworthy who is the President of the University of Winnipeg. Mr. Axworthy seemed to be very open to having a dialog regarding the possible role that the U of W could play internationally and in particular with the Filipino community here in Winnipeg.

While I was in the Philippines I visited the University of the Philippines and Bulacan State University. Both University Presidents were generous with their time and provided me with the opportunity to share my thoughts and receive feedback. While my meeting with Bulacan State University president Mariano C. De Jesus was a courtesy visit, my visit to the University of the Philippines, Diliman, was more formal and I was invited to be a guest lecturer to a group of public administration students.