Vancouver, Canada, 2025 March 30 – Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), along with Vancouver-area MPs Don Davies and Peter Julian, gathered at Plato Pilipino in Vancouver’s Joyce Street neighborhood for a press conference that marked a significant commitment to the Filipino-Canadian community. Addressing a crowd of supporters and community members, Singh announced that if elected Prime Minister, he would ensure the creation of a federal budget for the development of a Filipino Cultural Centre in the city.
The event, which took place at 4:00 pm, highlighted the NDP’s ongoing dedication to the multicultural fabric of Canadian society. Singh, flanked by Davies and Julian, outlined how the centre would serve as an important cultural hub for the growing Filipino community in Vancouver and across Canada. The commitment came at a time when discussions around heritage preservation, cultural representation, and support for ethnic communities are more prominent than ever in Canadian politics. MLA Mable Elmore was also present to support the event.
The quest to build a Filipino Cultural Centre in Vancouver has been a long-standing effort by Filipino-Canadian groups. For decades, the community has been advocating for a dedicated space that showcases Filipino culture, history, and art while providing services and support to Filipino-Canadians. The idea of a cultural center has gained momentum over the years, with the local Filipino community seeing rapid growth and increasing influence within the city. The Filipino Cultural Centre would not only be a testament to the rich Filipino heritage but also a place where future generations can connect with their roots and celebrate their culture.
Canada has experienced a significant increase in its Filipino population, with over 900,000 Filipino Canadians now residing in the country. This growing diaspora, particularly in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. Filipino-Canadians have become a powerful political force, with increasing numbers holding public office and making their voices heard on key issues, including immigration, workers’ rights, and multiculturalism. Their influence has been particularly evident in the lower mainland of British Columbia, where the Filipino community continues to thrive, with many shaping the economic and social fabric of the region.
The Filipino-Canadian community’s impact on Canadian politics is undeniable. As more people from diverse backgrounds engage in political discourse, the need for spaces like the Filipino Cultural Centre becomes even more crucial. Singh’s promise to include funding for this cultural initiative is a step towards not only recognizing but also celebrating the significant contributions of Filipino-Canadians to the Canadian experience.
As the NDP continues to develop its platform, the party’s focus on cultural inclusivity and community support reflects a broader understanding of Canada’s changing demographics, one that seeks to elevate the voices of those who have long been underrepresented.
(MBB)
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
