Canada’s first Filipino-Canadian Senator has served for 2 years

Senator Enverga at the Agincourt Senior Service Centre

Ottawa – Today marks the second anniversary of Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr.’s appointment to the Senate of Canada.   The historic recommendation by the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, made Senator Enverga the first Filipino-Canadian to serve in the Senate of Canada.

“My second year in the Senate has proved to be more demanding, yet more rewarding, than I expected,” said Senator Enverga in a statement.  “What stands out is the disastrous impact of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, which mobilized Canadians from coast to coast to coast, to come together to help.  Our government’s rapid and appropriate response resulted in a total contribution of $170 million.  Thank you to all who contributed.

Senator and Mrs. Enverga at Taste of Manila Festival in Toronto.

Senator Enverga made two visits to the affected region to witness the destruction first hand, and to visit Canadian funded humanitarian projects.  He visited Estancia, Iloilo on January 22, 2014 and Tacloban City on July 15, 2014.

The legislative agenda during this year has been very demanding with several bills being studied by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, of which Senator Enverga is a member.  Changes to the Citizenship Act, budget implementation bills and a study on prescription pharmaceuticals in Canada are some of the major achievements.  The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, another committee Senator Enverga is a member of, is conducting a study on the aquaculture industry in Canada which has proven to be a steep learning curve.

Senator Enverga and Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder

“This year I have attended over 260 events, and given more than 60 speeches in the community,” said Senator Enverga.  “These are usually in the evenings and on weekends, which makes the life of a senator very busy.  The work pays off, though, and ties between Canada and the Philippines have never been stronger.”

“I want to thank everyone who has contacted my office with their issues, and who have showed me support through my second year in the Senate.”

Press release issued September 6, 2014