Filipino community anticipates the release of the 2027 federal budget

Filipino community members are eagerly anticipating the release of Canada's 2027 federal budget next Thursday. The budget is of particular interest to them as they hope to see if the $100 million proposal presented by several Filipino groups during this year's budget consultation process will be included in the Liberal government's fiscal plan.

Charmaine Ramirez, executive director of Pwrforward, one of the groups behind the proposal, highlighted that this is the first time the Filipino community has submitted a proposal of this nature. Ramirez explained that every year, the federal government engages in pre-budget consultations, and this year, the community put together its first proposal to request a $100 million investment from the government to support Filipino Canadian entrepreneurs, professionals, and community infrastructure.

Filipino Canadian community members met with Members of Parliament in October to push for the proposal's inclusion in the budget. In a House of Commons statement on October 29, Liberal MP Michael Coteau expressed his support for the proposal, emphasizing the Filipino community's significant contributions to the country's economic and social development, as well as their cultural enrichment.

Coteau stated that they are seeking ways to support the community by building infrastructure to unleash that talent, and he intends to work with the community to explore how to move this forward. Some residents in Toronto believe that if the proposal is included in the budget, it could help support community projects. Hygelyn Dulnuan, a Toronto resident, said that with funding, the proposal would help support community projects.

Community members also expressed the desire for more affordability measures in the budget, noting the high inflation rates and fluctuating gas prices. The 2027 federal budget is set to be released on Thursday.