We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land we are on is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montréal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. As peoples who are continuously oppressed by the ruling system, we recognize the struggles of the First Peoples of this land and stand with our Indigenous siblings for their fight for land, life, and self-determination.
Who are we?
Founded in 1991, the Filipino Women’s Organization in Quebec, or commonly known as PINAY Quebec, started as a grassroots organization empowering and organizing migrant Filipino women in Quebec, particularly domestic workers and caregivers. For over three decades, PINAY Quebec has brought together hundreds of migrant and immigrant Filipino women, their families, and supporters in the struggle for basic rights and welfare
Our Mission
Through advocacy, education, and service, our mission is to empower migrant Filipino women and advance their human rights and welfare.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build and strengthen an organization that will serve the interests of migrant Filipino women in Quebec.
History
1991: founding of PINAY, the first Filipino women’s organization in Quebec to address the issues of Filipino women living abroad.
1990’s: one of the founding members of Migrante International
1994: Joined hands with organizations including the National Action Committee on the Status of Women in Canada to bring the issues of migrant women to the agenda, particularly domestic workers.
1995: At the forefront of the Flor Contemplacion Campaign in Quebec
1996: Pushed for the elimination of salary deduction for caregiver’s weekly boarding and lodging
1996 – 1997: Launched the stage play “Kababaihan Pilipina: Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas”
1998: Launched the Melca Salvador campaign at the national and international level. The campaign won in 2001.
1999: Joined the National Alliance of Filipino Women in Canada, attended the conference for Filipino migrants in Winnipeg, and participated in the Purple Rose Campaign in Montreal
2000: Joined the CIC roundtable discussion in Ottawa on migrant domestic workers; Founding member of the Immigrant Workers Centre
2001: Joined the first March 8th Committee of Women of Diverse Origins (WDO)
2002: Stopped the deportation of Melcah Salvador
2003: Launched the campaign to include domestic workers in the labour standards for minimum wage and overtime pay after 8 hours of work.
2004: Inclusion of domestic workers in the Labour regulation
2006: Accreditation of leniency on CIC administrative decisions to PR applicants whose rights has been violated
2007: Participated in community-based research on migrant issues, such as health and safety.
2008: Led the campaign on CSST insurance coverage for domestic workers; Pushed for the elimination of second medical examination, called Juana Tejada law
2010: Joined the Montreal Women’s International Conference that led to the formation of IWA; Founding members of the 1st Migrante Canada Congress in Ottawa
2010: Held continuous dialogue with government officials, with other local and national organizations, advocating and calling to end human trafficking and forced labour.
2011: Joined the International Women’s Alliance General Assembly in the Philippines
2012: Pushed for employers to cover expenses of hiring migrant workers and for provision of medical insurance in the first 3 months of arrival.
2012: Pushed to change 3-4 years to 2-year period of work contract requirement before PR application
2015: Pressured the Philippine consular to add more service hours to overseas Filipino workers