Harper lands in Manila on next leg of Asian tour

MANILA, Philippines – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has arrived in the Philippines for the next leg of his Asian tour.

This country has become the largest source of immigrants to Canada, and Tagalog the fastest-growing language.

Harper is scheduled to meet President Benigno Aquino on Saturday, with trade their prime topic of discussion.

But the two are also expected to talk about regional security issues, as well as cultural ties between the nations.

Some Filipino groups in Canada say Harper needs to do more to protect the labour rights of the tens of thousands of temporary workers who come to Canada from the Philippines each year.

Although the Conservatives have made changes to the foreign caregiver program, for example, a federal list of abusive employers remains blank online.