Manitoba

The first batch of Filipino immigrants in Canada who arrived in the Province of Manitoba during the 1950's are composed of educators, nurses and medical technologists. They came from from the United States and decided to move to Canada after their limited residence status under the American-Philippines Visitor’s Exchange Program expired. To date, Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in Manitoba.

Manitoba seems to be the Filipino favorite.

Immigration Program

The province of Manitoba offers the easiest access to live and work in Canada thru its Provincial Nominee Program. Most of the provinces that offers similar program require that an employer must be willing to sponsor you. On the other hand, Manitoba offers several options

1.General Stream.
2.Employer direct stream.
3.Family Support Stream.
4.International Students Stream
5.Community Support Stream
6.Provincial Nominee Program for Business

For information about Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, click here. For employment opportunities, click here.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Manitoba is equal to or below Canada's national average. Although there is a recent increase in its housing cost, it still remains one of the least expensive locations to acquire real estate. It also boast of low electricity rates. For more detailed information about cost of living in manitoba, click here, or here.

Minimum wage in Manitoba is C$8.50/hour. For list of benefits provided by the Province of Manitoba, click here.

The Economy

Manitoba is a developed, diverse and dynamic economy. Its key components are Manufacturing, Financial services, Agriculture, Hydro electricity and Natural resources.

Filipino Community

The largest Filipino community in Manitoba is organized under the the umbrella of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba. There are other organizations ready to serve Filipino community in Manitoba. Services offered include settlement and integration supports as well as educational and cultural programs.

Climate
Warm, sunny summers and cold bright winters characterize Manitoba's climate. Afternoon temperatures in July and August Average 25ºC with midwinter daytime readings almost always remain well below freezing. Wide variations from average values are common in all seasons. More than half of the annual precipitation falls in the summer months in the form of brief heavy showers. Most of southern Manitoba receives 110-140 cm of snow annually with the heaviest snow falls occurring in the northeast, in the Duck and Riding Mountains. (160 cm)[Source].

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