The 2018 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners include
NHL hockey dad, comedic actor, doctor, senator, and an app entrepreneur
What does a hockey dad of three NHL stars, a mental health advocate, and auto-dealer/Raptors “Superfan” have in common? They all were once newcomers to Canada and have contributed to their communities through leadership and philanthropy, and now have been selected as winners in this year’s 10th annual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. The winners are being presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine and proudly sponsored by RBC Royal Bank.
From coast to coast, the 2018 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants are a reflection of Canadian culture, diversity, and nation-building spirit. From Karl Subban, an educator who has guided his three sons to NHL stardom, to Senator Ratna Omidvar, who has been a lifelong diversity advocate, to Dr. Saroj Niraula, an oncologist, and researcher to just name a few.
“Celebrating 10 years is a true milestone for our awards, and we couldn’t be prouder of the amazing immigrants who form this year’s RBC Top 25,” says Margaret Jetelina, editor, Canadian Immigrant magazine.
The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners will be honoured at ceremonies in Toronto on June 19th 2018 and in Vancouver on June 27th 2018. In addition to the top 25 winners, two winners will also be selected for special recognition, the RBC Entrepreneur Award, and the Youth Award.
Philippines-born Loizza Aquino, 18, is the second annual Youth Award winner. From Winnipeg, she is the founder of the youth-led non-profit organization called Peace of Mind, which focuses on mental health advocacy.
“The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments and leadership of newcomers across Canada. Now in its tenth year and with over 250 newcomers recognized, the Awards highlight our country’s diversity, and the contributions and positive impact newcomers have been making in our communities. Congratulations to all winners and nominees,” says Ivy Chiu, Senior Director, Newcomer Strategy at RBC.
Hundreds of nominations were received, from which 75 finalists were shortlisted by a diverse judging panel of past winners. Nearly 60,000 online votes were cast. The 25 winners were chosen based on a combination of votes and the second round of judging.
The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation will be made toward a registered Canadian charity of their choice. Winners will also be featured online at canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 and in the July print edition of Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
NEW: Settlement Agency Award
Concurrent with the RBC Top 25 campaign this year, the Settlement Agency Award was introduced this year to recognize the amazing work immigrant settlement agencies are doing to help newcomers integrate and succeed in Canada. The winner of the first Settlement Agency Award is ISS of BC.
