Filipino voters could play large role in federal election

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – Filipino Canadians are one of the fastest-growing demographics in Canada and they are quickly becoming a political force to be reckoned with.

The Filipino Canadian population is approaching one million. The Philippines is consistently is among the top three countries for permanent residents admitted into Canada.

Grant Gonzales with the Filipino Canadian Political Association says there are 37 ridings across Canada where the Filipino Canadian population was larger now than in 2019.

In the riding of Winnipeg North, more than a third of voters are of Filipino descent. How they vote will have an impact on the election outcome.

“Filipino Canadians primarily live in urban centres where a lot of these competitive races are playing out, so where Filipinos are concentrated in particular ridings are going to be consequential in terms of the outcome of the election,” said Gonzales.

“It’s in the interest of all parties, not just the NDP or Liberals, but Greens and Conservatives to target Filipino voters.”

University of Manitoba Political Science Professor Christopher Adams says many ridings, especially ones in Manitoba, could come down to the votes from the Filipino community.

“There are some ridings in which this population can have a significant impact, and in this election, in which every riding counts, if there are 10 or 15 ridings that are influenced by the Filipino Canadian vote, then that could swing, whether it’s Liberals, Conservatives or something involving the NDP.”

Perla Javate, President of the Philippines Heritage Council of Manitoba, says like many Canadians, Filipino Canadians want a government that meets their needs. She says issues she wants to see addressed, accreditation, systemic barriers and immigration.

“Family reunification and I think being able to come here and contribute to our economy and to make it a second home for us.”

The riding has been a Liberal – NDP fight for decades. Since 2010, it has been represented by Liberal Kevin Lamoureux.

“I think of all the issues whether its healthcare or immigrant, these are the type of issues people are concerned about and it’s making sure that you are addressing them. That you are not only dealing with issues but that you are out in the community.”

Lamoureux is being challenged by new NDP candidate Melissa Chung-Mowat, of Métis-Chinese descent. Chung-Mowat says Winnipeg North is a diverse area and she has been working hard to connect to everyone, especially the Filipino community.

“As myself, a young woman of colour, it has been building on working with the young people, young people of colour, young Filipino people who are working hard and really working toward a better future. We are metering people and having really tough conversations about a range of issues that face our community,” explained Chung-Mowat.

Anas Kassem is representing the Conservatives for Winnipeg North.