Philippines signs MOU with Alberta, Canada to support Pinoy nurses

The Philippines and the Province of Alberta, Canada signed on Thursday an agreement that would strengthen their cooperation regarding the welfare of Filipino nurses, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Under the MOU, the two countries will promote sound, ethical, and sustainable recruitment practices.

The MOU also covers among other areas "the undertaking of a formal collaborative effort to the certification, recognition, and matching of skills and qualifications of Filipino nurses and the provision of support to Filipino nurses who are not yet registered to practice in Alberta," the DFA said.

Once a financial assistance program has been finalized, Filipino nurses in Alberta who will undergo assessment, education, and training, and licensing process may be able to avail of financial incentives from the Alberta provincial government.

Under the MOU, partnerships between the two countries may be possible, such as a nursing program in the Philippines that will be accredited in Alberta.

A total of 175,130 overseas Filipinos reside in Alberta, the DFA said, according to the 2016 Canada Census data. —KG, GMA News