‘Left behind’: Montreal Filipino youth lack access to social services; community leaders demand action

Racism, substance abuse, economic disadvantages and an overall lack of support are some of the major issues plaguing Montreal’s Filipino youths, according to community leaders.

They fear young Filipinos are not receiving proper job opportunities, training, French-language education, and are being excluded from certain public institutions.

That’s leading to social and economic shortcomings, especially for those living in the Côte-des-Neiges area of Montreal.

The Filipino community leaders are asking for help.

“Filipino youths face challenges in terms of integration and safety,” said Ramon Vicente, president of Filipino Family Services. “There’s not enough programs to help their needs in employment, language, training, education and leisure and crime prevention.

“Quebec and the City of Montreal have millions into youth crime prevention programs, the City of Montreal is planning a summit of unarmed violence. But we are not sure that we and other English-speaking communities will be a part of it and have equal access to that new funding.

“The Filipino community seems to be left behind despite our growing concerns.”

READ: Quebec to invest more than $500K to promote the French language among immigrants

There are approximately 44,000 Filipinos in Montreal, according to recent census data. Many are new immigrants and first-generation Canadians. Sixty per cent are women, with many working in health care or as live-in caregivers.
Thirty-five per cent (roughly 15,000) are under 24 years old.

For many new to Quebec, social and economic services are not as easily accessible compared to those born and raised in the province.

“There’s often a clash of culture and often a clash of integration as well,” said Stephanie Valenzuela, city councillor for district for the Darlington district in CDN. “It is one of those things that has evolved and improved over the years but we have never gotten to the point where we can really get our youth out of these situations.”

Valenzuela says she’s written to Mayor Valerie Plante addressing the lack of effective integration into society for English-speaking immigrants, hoping there will soon be a new network of integration implemented.

“It’s an issue that’s just been swept under the rug,” said Valenzuela. “For a community that’s been here for over 60 years, it’s mind boggling to think that now in 2022, it’s now that we are talking about this after so long.

“By getting these answers we will be able to help English-speaking communities and Filipino organizations as well.”

WATCH: Quebec hearings into Bill 96 (Sept. 21, 2021)

Tabled last year, Bill 96 will see Quebec overhaul its French-language charter. Some anglophones in the province fear this will come at the expense of their minority rights.

Thelma Castro, an advisor with the Filipino Parents Association in Quebec, says that could lead to more school dropouts, crime, and more isolation from social services.

“Language is a big thing because they feel demoralized and hopeless,” said Castro. “Then these petty crimes happen, then drugs and drinking and addiction, and it’s very sad.

“What happens to court services social services that these young people have to access when there are no services in English? We are an English-speaking community, much as we support the integration into French community, we need a lot of services available to be able to integrate properly and effectively.”

Bryan Perona, the owner of a Montreal barber shop and tattoo parlour, says he’s seen first-hand what Filipino youth go through. He’s asking for more community programs like sport activities so that youth can spend their time in a positive manner.

“Many of them are immigrants many are English speakers lack opportunities,” he said. “A lot of them feel like they don’t belong and are not treated equally. Many feel excluded because they are Asian and many are low income.

“So they can have equal access to job opportunities, education, sports, and recreation and all other social services.”