Rechie Valdez endorses Philippines and Canada’s Free Trade Agreement

Trisha Matabalan, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 2, 2026

(Photo courtesy: rechie.valdez/Instagram)

CANADA – On Tuesday, June 2, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez celebrated Filipino Heritage Month on social media.

She also announced that the Philippines and Canada were working towards a Free Trade Agreement, citing that it will “create new opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities in both countries.” She highlighted how it could expand economic opportunities, as the Philippines was one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies, and pointed out that there were nearly 1 million Canadians of Filipino heritage who help make the partnership stronger by the day.

She also emphasized trade diversification, the benefits for small businesses, and stronger connections as it increases “tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange between countries.”

Valdez herself is also famously of Filipino origin, being the first Filipino-Canadian woman to serve as both a Cabinet member and MP.

The Department of Trade and Industry also stated that they were looking to conclude the final text of the agreement by its third round of talks in Ottawa by July. They also added that they were on track to finishing FTA talks within 2026, and that the expected effects included increased exports, investment inflow, and strengthened economic ties between countries.