I was honoured to join Prime Minister Mark Carney in welcoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady of the Philippines to Canada during the President's first Official Visit to our country. 

This historic visit marks an important milestone in the Canada–Philippines relationship, creating new opportunities to strengthen trade, deepen economic cooperation, and expand the longstanding people-to-people ties that connect our two countries. As partners in the Indo-Pacific, Canada and the Philippines share a commitment to building stronger economies, supporting regional stability, and creating opportunities for businesses and families on both sides of the Pacific. 

As Canada's first Filipina Cabinet Minister, it was especially meaningful to be part of this historic occasion. The visit reflects the strong contributions of the Filipino Canadian community and reinforces the enduring friendship between our two nations. 

Thank you to everyone who helped make this visit a success. I look forward to seeing our partnership continue to grow in ways that benefit Canadians, Filipino Canadians, and our friends in the Philippines.