Advisories & News
Press Release
Filipino Canadian Member of Legislative Assembly Appointed to Manitoba Cabinet
2021-07-20
19 July 2021, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto extends its warm congratulations to Filipino-Canadian Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Waverley Jon Reyes for his appointment as Minister of Economic Development and Jobs for the Province of Manitoba on 15 July 2021. This singular achievement brings honor and pride not only to his family but also to the larger Filipino-Canadian community. The appointment came even after a challenging week for the Conservative government whose two (2) statues in the Manitoba Legislature grounds were toppled on July 1st, Canada Day. The protest was brought about by the accusations of abuse of indigenous children by Residential Schools.
MLA Reyes was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents immigrated to Winnipeg 50 years ago and his father worked in the garment industry. He is one of two Filipino Canadians in the Manitoba legislature. The other member is Ms. Malaya Marcelino of the NDP and daughter of former MLA Flor Marcelino, who was a cabinet minister under the NDP Government in the province.
MLA Reyes was elected to his first term as Member of Legislative Assembly for St. Norbert in the Province of Manitoba on 19 April 2016 and was later appointed as Special Envoy for Military Affairs for the Province of Manitoba, having served in the Canadian Forces for ten (10) years, including a stint with HMCS Winnipeg (a vessel that primarily served as convoy escort during WWII’s Battle of the Atlantic) as a Member of the Royal Canadian Navy. He also received a Special Services Medal (NATO) for his exemplary military service. Later, on 10 September 2019, he was re-elected in the new constituency of Waverley.
Despite his high position in government and busy schedule, MLA Reyes has been an active participant in Filipino community and Consulate General’s sponsored activities, thus maintaining link to his Filipino roots. Through his involvement in mentoring programs, he continues to inspire young Filipino-Canadians to pursue leadership positions in their respective fields and eventually to the mainstream community.
Just recently, during the Consulate General’s celebration of the 123rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2021, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto featured its Quincentennial Awardees during the virtual program, which included MLA Reyes, for his exemplary leadership, friendship, and invaluable support to the Filipino Community and the Philippine Consulate General. He was also one of the Consulate General’s featured personalities at “Proudly Philippines, Proudly Filipino!”, Vancouver PCG’s common cultural project with Ottawa PE and Calgary PCG and Toronto PCG.
Furthermore, late last year, the Consulate General liaised with MLA Reyes and MLA Malaya Marcelino for the submission and initiation of a Motion in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Manitoba on the Proclamation of the Quincentennial Celebration of the Philippines in the province, which was approved and signed by Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage, the Honourable Cathy Cox on 25 November 2020.
MLA Reyes and his spouse, Cynthia, have two children, Reyna and Miguel, and owned and operated a successful small business in South Winnipeg before entering politics.
