![](https://philcongencalgary.org/public/blogs/2024/01/ph-consul-general-to-calgary-promotes-welfare-of-filipino-teachers-newly-arrived-filipino-immigrants-in-meetings-with-alberta-ministers20240128063142.png)
Calgary, 16 July 2023 – Philippine
Consul General
Zaldy Patron recently met with Alberta Minister of Education
Demetrios Nicolaides and Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen to
promote the welfare of the Filipino internationally educated teachers (IET) and
the newly arrived Filipino immigrants in Alberta.
During their meeting on 11 July
2023, Consul General Patron sought Minister Nicolaides’ support for the
Filipino IET who are required to undergo the licensing process and complete Alberta’s
Internationally Educated Teachers Bridging Program (IETBG) before
they could work as full-fledged teachers in the province.
The two
officials agreed to hold a joint virtual briefing for the Filipino IET to
inform them of the requirements and procedure in the accreditation of IET in
Alberta.They also exchanged
ideas on how to motivate the Filipino IET to undergo the credentialing process
and enroll in the IETBG.
On 14 July
2023, Consul General Patron and Minister Yaseen discussed the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism’s
programs for the immigrants in Alberta.
Minister Yaseen said there were opportunities for eligible Filipinos to
come to the province through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP),
an economic immigration program that nominates people for permanent residence
in Alberta.
Likewise,
Consul General Patron and Minister Yaseen agreed to work together to encourage
the Filipino community to help address the problem of racism in the province
through the Ministry’s anti-racism program.
Minister Yaseen advocates for equal opportunities for all in the province,
saying that “no one should be left behind in Alberta.”
To recognize the contributions of newcomers (i.e., immigrants)
in the province, the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism has also come
up with the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Awards.
A newcomer who has enriched the province through volunteer
activities, leadership, innovation in business, achievements in academic or
professional field, or by creating more welcoming and inclusive communities can
be nominated for the award. Award categories recognize the accomplishments of
youth, women, seniors, entrepreneurs, academics, professionals, and community
builders.
Filipinos in Alberta are encouraged to know more about the Alberta
Newcomer Recognition Awards from this site - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-newcomer-recognition-awards.aspx.