1 August 2023, Ottawa- Philippine Ambassador to Canada Ma. Andrelita S. Austria received Senator Stan Kutcher at the Chancery of the Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa. During their meeting, Ambassador Austria and Senator Kutcher highlighted areas of mutual interest from immigration to agriculture and fisheries cooperation.
Ambassador Austria took the opportunity to raise the issue of credentials recognition, especially of Philippine-educated and -licensed healthcare workers in Canada who cannot practice their profession in Canada. A well-respected mental health professional in Canada, Senator Kutcher has been advocating for certain federally-led initiatives to overcome long-standing barriers to internationally-educated physicians from practicing in Canada.
Senator Kutcher will be leading a parliamentary delegation to Manila later this year.