30 April 2012 - Honoring the contribution of the growing Filipino community in Canada, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird played host to the official launching of the Tinig Pinoy Internet Radio on 27 April 2012 at Parliament Hill.

In his remarks, Minister Baird said that the launching at the House of Commons was a great way to celebrate the contributions of Filipinos to Canada. "We are fortunate to have a large and vibrant Filipino community helping build a stronger and more prosperous Canada," he observed. Beyond the launching of Tinig Pinoy's internet radio, Minister Baird joined the celebration of "a portion of our cultural patchwork" represented by "Canadians of Filipino origin who have built a reputation as some of Canada's most active citizens."

The Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism echoed Minister Baird's high regard for Filipino Canadians. "The Tinig Pinoy celebration is a step forward in the growing and importance presence of the Filipino community in Canada. No other community typifies the Canadian values of hard work, responsibility, respect for traditions and family values more than Filipinos," Minister Kenney affirmed. Describing Canada as a land of opportunity for newcomers who work hard and play by the rules, he extolled Filipino-Canadians for what they have brought to Canada and recognized the possibility of Canada being led someday by a Prime Minister of Filipino descent.

Mr. Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group likewise cited the role of Filipino workers in, among others, the health, manufacturing and hospitality sectors and acknowledged the Philippines as Canada's top source of temporary workers.

The guests of honor were treated to an evening of Filipino food, songs and dances. The Ministers gamely put their footwork to the test by trying out Tinikling, the Philippines' national dance.

With the support of the New York office of the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Philippine Embassy, the Tinig Pinoy launch was also an occasion for Philippine tourism promotion.

Tinig Pinoy is an Ottawa-based radio program bringing the latest news from the Philippines, updates on local community developments, timely interviews and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to Filipinos overseas. Founded by Dan de Castro 20 years ago, Tinig Pinoy has gone global with 24/7 programming via internet radio at www.tinigpinoy.net. END