Solon Wants Heroic Act of Caregiver Recognized

“Juana Tejada is the embodiment of the term ‘modern-day hero’. Her courage and persistence in fighting for the better treatment of her fellow Filipino caregivers in Canada deserve the highest praise, admiration and gratitude,” Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela Women’s Party said after the filing of House Resolution No. 1062, expressing the profound condolences of the House of Representatives on the demise of Juana Tejada and seeking recognition for her heroic deeds.

Tejada arrived in Canada in 2003 under the Live-in Caregiver Program. She applied for permanent residency in 2006, which was denied after she was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, as she would be a “burden” to the Canadian health care system. She was supposed to have been deported on August 8, 2008 but her repeated invocation of her right to stay in the North American country moved the immigration officials to finally grant her citizenship on July 18, 2008.

After her victory, Tejada continued to push for the amendment of the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, specifically to remove the requirement for a second medical examination as a condition for obtaining permanent residency status for caregivers.

“Despite her personal battle with terminal illness, she unselfishly worked to bring to improve the lives of caregivers. The Arroyo government can learn from her example,” Ilagan said.

Juana Tejada died on March 8, 2009 - incidentally International Women's Day – in Ontario.

The so-called "The Juana Tejada Law" is currently being reviewed by the Canadian Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.