Mabuhay House Calls Federal Candidates to Act on Economic Strength, Community Investment, and International Trade

Vancouver, B.C. — As federal candidates crisscross the country ahead of the upcoming election, Mabuhay House Society is urging them to commit to bold and inclusive plans that address economic development, community infrastructure, and Canada’s place in the global economy—issues of critical importance to the over 175,000 Filipino-Canadians who call British Columbia home.

Mabuhay House emphasizes that Filipino-Canadian and other racialized communities want to see concrete commitments to:
● Strengthen Canada’s economy by investing in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and housing;
● Support local communities with community capital projects, cultural infrastructure, and expanded social services;
● Position Canada globally by building new international trade partnerships and addressing urgent matters such as the recently imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports.

This federal call to action comes at a time of renewed attention to Filipino-Canadian priorities. In December 2024, the Province of British Columbia concluded a Vision Survey to gather community input on the creation of a Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre. The results, expected in Spring 2025, reflect a growing recognition of the need for cultural infrastructure that affirms identity and supports community growth.

“Filipino-Canadians are the third-largest Asian ethnic group in Canada, and more than 175,000 of us have made our home in B.C.,” said Lester de Guzman, Chair of Mabuhay House Society “With ongoing challenges like the U.S. tariff and rising cost of living, we are looking for leadership that will deliver jobs, affordable housing, and investment in our communities. We’re also excited about momentum at the provincial level for a Filipino Cultural Centre—and we expect federal leaders to meet us with the same energy and commitment to action.”

Mabuhay House Society is working closely with the Provincial Government to establish of the Provincial Filipino Cultural Centre and help build capacity in the Filipino community to strengthen our leadership. The organization continues to advocate for culturally relevant spaces and inclusive economic policies that uplift all communities.

As the federal election approaches, Mabuhay House calls on all candidates to prioritize a vision of Canada that is diverse, strong, and future-ready.

About Mabuhay House Society
Established in 2021, Mabuhay House Society is a registered non-profit society working closely with the provincial government to develop a provincial Filipino cultural centre that will be an inclusive, intercultural, and intergenerational space that Filipino Canadians can call home, where everyone is welcome. Mabuhay House Society is paving the way for the Filipino connection and community to thrive in BC. Visit our website at mabuhayhouse.ca.