Dennis Gasgonia

Philippines, Canada sign first federal labor cooperation agreement to protect Filipino workers

Article (news)

Francis Orcio

ABS-CBN News

MANIila — The Philippines and Canada have signed their first federal-level bilateral labor cooperation agreement aimed at expanding legal migration pathways, strengthening recruitment safeguards, and protecting Filipino workers from abusive and deceptive hiring schemes. Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press conference on Friday that the Joint Declaration of Intent was signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Vancouver, where Marcos met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.The agreement marks a shift from the Philippines’ previous labor arrangements with Canadian provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, toward a broader federal-level framework.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/6/12/the-migration-pact-what-s-in-the-eu-s-landmark-asylum-reform-1441">The migration pact: What&#x27;s in the EU&#x27;s landmark asylum reform?</a></div>“We had our first ever federal level bilateral labor cooperation agreement with Canada. Dati kasi ang agreements natin ay with the different provinces. The bilateral discussions and agreements were done with the different provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan among others,” Cacdac said.Cacdac said both Marcos and Carney recognized the contributions of Filipino workers to the economies and communities of both countries.The agreement emphasizes legal migration pathways, with recruitment and deployment of workers to be governed by the laws and regulations of both countries. It also prohibits the charging of recruitment fees and related costs to workers and job seekers. Cacdac said the provision directly responds to complaints against immigration consultancies and travel agencies in the Philippines allegedly overcharging or illegally recruiting Filipinos for jobs in Canada.“No such recruitment fees and related costs shall be charged against the workers and job seekers. Kasama na dito iyong dinadaing natin na iyong mga pananaga na ginagawa, overcharging na ginagawa ng mga immigration consultancies dito sa Pilipinas with the intent to hire a particular job seeker,” he said.The DMW said some immigration consultancies and travel agencies illegally recruiting workers for Canada have already been shut down through the efforts of the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau.The agreement also covers licensing and registration mechanisms to ensure fair and ethical recruitment practices, as well as the mutual recognition of professional credentials.Cacdac said this could help prevent Filipino professionals from having to repeat education or certification processes after already obtaining degrees and licenses in the Philippines.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/7/philippines-to-open-migrant-workers-office-in-cambodia-marcos-2046">Philippines to open migrant workers office in Cambodia – Marcos</a></div>“After obtaining a degree here and getting a certification from the PRC, for instance, Professional Regulation Commission, hindi na siya kailangan mag-aral muli o mag-secure ng panibagong sertipikasyon sa Canada,” he said.The labor cooperation agreement further includes provisions on freedom of movement, protection against coercion and deceptive recruitment, voluntary employment contracts, informed consent, and access to pre-departure information.Cacdac said workers must be properly informed about what to expect before going to Canada, with the Canadian Embassy in Manila also providing information to prospective migrants.<div> </div>

The Philippines and Canada have signed their first federal-level bilateral labor cooperation agreement aimed at expanding legal migration pathways, strengthening recruitment safeguards, and protecting Filipino workers from abusive and deceptive hiring schemes.

The Philippines and Canada have signed their first federal-level bilateral labor cooperation agreement aimed at expanding legal migration pathways, strengthening recruitment safeguards, and protecting Filipino workers from abusive and deceptive hiring schemes.