FILIPINO-CANADIANS

PAGTAKHAN NAMED TO CANADA'S CABINET

Rey Pagtakhan, a doctor and naturalized Canadian citizen, was appointed secretary of 
state for the Asia-Pacific region by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien. The first 
Filipino Canadian to be appointed in the cabinet in Canada's history.

Born in Cavite province (south of Manila) in 1935, Pagtakhan graduated in medicine 
from the University of the Philippines before leaving for the United States to pursue 
further medical studies. Immigrated to Canada in 1968. He won his first race for a 
parliament seat 20 years later and has been re-elected since from his home district 
in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Chretien named Pagtakhan, his one-time parliamentary secretary, to fill the position 
previously held by Raymond Chan, who was defeated in a bid for re-election to 
parliament in Canada’s November election.

Pagtakhan was elected in 1988 as representative of the constituency of Winnipeg North, 
a position he held for three consecutive terms. He chairs the House of Commons 
committees on human rights and on citizenship and immigration. 

Once qouted that he had entered politics "to give back to Canada the many favors I’ve 
received in this country."

As the Canada's Secretary of state for the Asia Pacific region, he's main duty is the 
promotion of Canada’s economic, commercial and political relations with Asia-Pacific 
countries.

Dr. Pagtakhan said he expected to consider opportunities for expanded contact with 
North Korea, and to examine issues such as human rights and justice in China.

PERSONAL BIO

After graduating from the UP. Took postgraduate studies at the Washington University 
Medical Center in St. Louis and at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Graduate 
Studies and Research.

A lung specialist as well as a professor of pediatrics, Pagtakhan was a fellow of the 
American College of Chest Physicians, president of the Manitoba Pediatric Society and 
director of the Manitoba Cystic Fibrosis Center. 

He has contributed to medical textbooks and journals and received such awards as the 
Manila Medical Society First Prize for basic research, the Joint Missouri-St. Louis 
Heart Associations Research Fellowship, and the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Medal.

Pagtakhan and his wife Gloria have four sons and a grandchild.  

More Information on Dr.Pagtakhan:
Manila's Canadian Embassy Press Release