Neepawa, Manitoba) – The Filipino Canadian community and the temporary workers here had a dialogue with Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr. when the latter visited them today.
The dialogue, held at HyLife™ Foods, a federally certified, modern pork processing facility employs 900 workers, and company Chief Operating Officer Denis Vielfaure said 600 of the workforce are Filipinos. Another 37 temporary workers from the Philippines are coming soon, he said.
Among the issues discussed was the need to build more infrastructure in preparation to the arrival of future workers. Hylife Foods is rapidly expanding, resulting from the high demand for its pork products around the world.
The workers and executives alike said that immediate planning for additional infrastructre is required, such as those in accommodation, because families of the Filipino workers will follow them soon here. They said that the concerns were likewise brought to the attention of Neepawa Mayor Ken Waddell.
On another note, the company executives indicated their great satisfaction with the hard work and the dedication of their Filipino workers.
Meanwhile, the Filipino workers expressed their wish that more representation in Winnipeg and Neepawa be extended by the Philippine Consulate General. Senator Enverga said he would relay the message to the Consulate General’s Office in Toronto – which has the responsibility for Filipinos at the two areas.
The Filipino Workers were very thankful for the opportunity that Canada has given them. At the same time, they expressed their appreciation that a Filipino-Canadian is representing them in the upper house of the Government of Canada.
Senator Enverga will work with Neepawa Member of Parliament Robert Sopuck to ensure that concerns are addressed to the best of their capacity.
Neepawa – which in Cree means “Land of Plenty”, is located 185 km Northwest of Winnipeg. The town was incorporated 1883, and, as of 2011, its population has grown to over 4,000. Population is estimated to swell to 5,000 by the end of 2013 due to the arrival of Temporary workers, mostly from the Philippines.
Photos by Bernadette Tripon of Neepawa, Manitoba
