Foundation Declaration
Who are we?
We are Filipino-Canadians from different generations and from different walks of life.
We are coming together to work for a more just and equitable society in our province and in Canada.
We are building a progressive voice within the Filipino community to advocate for full inclusion and equity.
We will actively participate in the broad political sphere to achieve the change we need for our community and help transform power relations in our society across the province.
What do we want to achieve?
That the Filipino-Canadian community will have a stronger voice and be equitably represented in all aspects of our society.
That as a community we are empowered by an awareness of our strength and our ability to lead change.
That Alberta and Canada are more inclusive, equitable, and just.
That public policies benefit our Filipino-Canadian community.
That Filipino-Canadians are meaningfully represented in government–in elected, appointed, and advisory bodies.
How will we achieve these?
Community organizing and mobilizing in the Filipino community toward active civic and political participation.
Research and public policy advocacy on key socio-economic issues.
Development of progressive leaders.
Collaboration with other organizations on important issues, initiatives, and concerns.
The Beginnings of Our Platform
Kabuhayan (Sustainable Livelihoods)
Everyone has the right to sustainable livelihoods that support their economic wellbeing.
For many Filipinos, this means many things including decent wages, stable employment in the public health, education, and social service systems, ability to practice professions, and a supportive environment for local businesses.
Kapakanan at Kalusugan (Health and Wellness)
A strong and inclusive public health system benefits everyone. Privatization leads to inequity. Supports need to be expanded to vulnerable members of the community including seniors and those needing mental health services. The role of the community in overall health and wellness needs to be recognized and supported.
Kinabukasan ng Ating Kabataan (A bright future for our youth)
A just and prosperous future of our youth is foremost in our minds. To help build this now, the following are critically important: affordable and accessible education, a diversified economy, a more welcoming society free from racism and discrimination, and empowering youth to be socially and politically aware and active in seeking solutions to issues impacting them.
Kalakasan ng ating Kultura at Komunidad (A Strong Community Proud of its Heritage)
Filipino-Canadians are contributing significantly to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Alberta and Canada. We bring knowledge, skills, community values, and wisdom that not only strengthen our community, but the whole society. It is important therefore to continue nourishing Filipino culture and language in Alberta and Canada. We advocate for the following: adoption of Filipino as an international language of study in the Alberta school system, support for Filipino heritage initiatives, and the establishment of Filipino Centres across the province.
Kalikasan (Environment and Climate Change)
Filipino-Canadians understand that a healthy environment is necessary for long term economic and social prosperity. We believe that climate change is real and threatens the future of Alberta and Canada. Enacting a long term climate change plan is necessary so that we can continue to grow Alberta’s economy and protect its diverse ecology for the present and future generations.