Pinoys on Parliament 2022: Panels and Speakers

Born in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines as the youngest of ten children, Virginia moved to Canada in 1983 at seven years old and was proud to make her new home the Renfrew-Collingwood area of Vancouver, British Columbia.

As with many immigrant stories, the journey to becoming Canadian was challenging. Virginia’s father, the breadwinner of their large family, was tragically murdered just as the family prepared to make their way to their new home. Left widowed, Virginia’s mother, with a tremendous skill of stoic leadership, led her large family in not just surviving this tragedy, but thriving in the Canadian dream. 

These challenges, and her Mom, Elena whose was lovingly known as Nanay, instilled a great sense of gratitude and an obligation to contribute. This meant paper routes and taking two jobs by the time she was 16.

Her husband, Hector Bremner has been by her side for over 20 years.  They are proud to instil the same family values passed down to them to their sons, Carlo and Gianluca; both of whom are now in their early twenties and pursing their own life goals.

Her career has been guided by purpose and that drive to contribute.  First working on the frontlines of the mental health in a community-based outreach centre.  Eventually she took a role as Executive Director of the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association and was even invited to serve as support staff to the Premier of British Columbia. She has held roles focused on member engagement with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and creating trade and investment connections for local businesses with priority markets with the World Trade Centre Vancouver. 

She is currently working with one of the top scientists in Canada, to standardize the way nutraceuticals and medicinal products are made through science.