It was grandparents who raised Maricel Guinto in the Philippines. Her mother, Este Pusag, had immigrated to Canada to supplement family income. It was harder than Este expected: under Canadian immigration rules she could only do domestic work, although she was a professional nurse. Both the separation and the eventual Canadian reunification of daughter and mother were painful for everyone.

Explain the emotional, physical, social and economic hardships experienced by Este and her parents after the move to Canada from the Philippines.

Every year thousands of women enter Canada as domestic servants, the majority of them from the Philippines. Leaving their own children and families behind, they can spend many isolated years cooking, cleaning and caring for others. Sending much of their wages back home, they dream of the day their families can join them. When Strangers Re-Unite looks at what happens after years of separation and sacrifice. Virtual strangers at the airport, family members face a confusing journey of rebuilding relationships while adapting to an often unwelcoming environment. Within the Filipino community in Canada, several groups and organizations have been actively working for the rights and welfare of migrant workers. It is largely thanks to them that most of these families are able to overcome what can seem like insurmountable obstacles. Filmed in Toronto, Montreal and the Philippines, this candid and touching portrait reveals three families in the midst of healing, coping with the strangers they love.