THE CANADIAN province of Manitoba proposed a scholarship fund for Filipino nursing students as it expressed interest in hiring more skilled Filipino health professionals, the Department of Migrant Workers said.

Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration Jon Reyes and his delegation paid a courtesy call on DMW Secretary Susan Ople earlier this week to discuss further labor cooperation between the Philippines and the Canadian province.

Reyes told Ople about a new program which would financially support Filipino nurses intending to work in Manitoba.

The program will include the provision of airfare, accommodation, and training, among others.

The proposed scholarship fund for Filipino nursing students who wish to work in Canada was also discussed during the meeting, the department added.

Ople conveyed her appreciation to the Canadian government for its hospitality and firm commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of Filipino workers, and for recognizing the professionalism of Filipino nurses.

“It’s very natural to our Filipino nurses, to our healthcare professionals to see every patient as a member of the family or a friend. Being warm, hospitable, caring, and hopeful are some of the qualities of our Filipino nurses that makes us proud,” Ople said.