I am writing this letter out of dismay and insult. As a Filipino-Canadian citizen who had worked in St. Albert since 2012 and left St. Albert City only this year due to the following reasons:
1) Accountability: It seems to me that some people in the city hall are not minding the needs of minority. They are clearly focused to create a very nice image of themselves, which is alright but not at the expense of taxpayers’ money. In everything you do, you must be accountable. That is leadership with morality. We must choose a leader who is morally upright. Wake up St. Albert – why are the young generations opting to move away from this wonderful city?
2) Engaging services for all: I don't want to say that discrimination and racism are not evident here, but I experienced it big time. Filipinos are for most instances maltreated here in St. Albert by some employers, they are used and misused on several occasions. In the majority of cases Filipinos are very much respected, simply because, in general, they are all professionals and loving people. The Philippines is regarded as the Nanny Capital of the Asia. My question is: “Who are the most trusted and caring people working as nannies and daycare workers?” All Filipino migrants in St, Albert are registered nurses, teachers and college/university graduates from reputable schools in the Philipines.
3) Common sense in city government: My only statement is plain and simply, does the current administration ever spend time to reach out to minority people here in St. Albert? I attended several chamber of commerce activities since but there was no instance where the mayor spoke to us, said hi nor welcomed us for doing business in St. Albert.
I hope the city council and the mayor's office will direct their energy toward the common good of everyone. Please acknowledge the hard work of all temporary workers who serve day and night in all our fast food throughout our city.
Most of them are being deported. Did they ever get sympathy and thank you from the current administration?
There is only one councillor who is humble and reached out to Filipinos and other races here. That is Coun. Cam MacKay.
Mayor Nolan Crouse, if you are questioning why our beloved councillor studied the Filipino language, my simple answer is this: He wants to connect and be engaged with the minorities. You should be thankful that at least one councillor is making an effort to connect with us.
Studying and learning Filipino language is vital to the development of the city. If you are not ready to embrace the change, maybe it’s time for you to assess yourself. Are you a leader in the service of everyone or do you serve whom you choose?
Discrimination and uncalled for comments that degrade and hurt the feelings and good image of Filipinos are not welcome.
Lastly, if Coun. MacKay needs to pay back the money, please let us know and I will do a fundraiser to raise that.
We Filipinos demand an apology from the mayor for his reckless comment that studying Filipino is not for a common good. We are hurt deeply. I am very much open to hear your side Mr. Mayor.
Lastly, I just want to share this statement from a cardinal sin of the Philippines:
A person who has no morality has no right to govern!
Jonathan Cruz, Edmonton
