Nominate now for RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:33:06 +0000
Recognizing inspiring immigrants with the “Oscars” of immigrant success
For the last decade, the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program has been highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants who have made incredible contributions to Canada, and honouring them with Canada’s only national awards celebrating immigrant success. Is there an inspiring immigrant deserving of recognition that you know? Nominations are now open for the 11th annual awards program.
“Our goal at Canadian Immigrant is to support newcomers integration and success in Canada. Through the RBC Top 25 Awards program, we celebrate immigrants who have achieved great things and, in turn, serve as inspiring role models,” said Margaret Jetelina, editor of Canadian Immigrant. “Canada has always been known as a welcoming country to immigrants, and these awards are a shining example of that humanitarian hospitality.”
Immigrants who have been honoured with this prestigious national award in the past include well-known Canadians like restaurateur/TV host Vikram Vij and acclaimed ballerina Chan Hon Goh, as well as other immigrants who demonstrated incredible contributions and achievements in their communities and for the country.
“RBC is committed to supporting newcomers in Canada and is honoured to be able to celebrate their significant contributions and successes that positively effect change in our country,” said Ivy Chiu, senior director, newcomer strategy, RBC. “These awards not only showcase the richness and diversity newcomers add to the fabric of our communities, but also the important role they play in making Canada the success it is today and will continue to be in the future.”
How to nominate and who is eligible?
To nominate someone, go to www.canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 to fill out the simple online nomination form. Nominations can be made until February 22, 2019, 11:59 p.m. EST.
A nominee can be anyone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the success and uplifting of this country and/or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must be aged 15 or older, hold landed immigrant (permanent resident) or citizen status in Canada, and reside in Canada.
Special recognitions: Entrepreneur and Youth awards
This will be the fifth consecutive year that one of the Top 25 winners will also be selected for the additional Entrepreneur Award, honouring one of the Top 25 who has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in business. For the third consecutive year, the Top 25 will also include the Youth Award, which recognizes of young immigrants between the ages of 15 and 30 who are making a difference through achievement and/or service, and who exhibit great potential as long-term contributors to Canada. No additional application is required to apply for these award.
Settlement Agency Award
For the second consecutive year, the Settlement Agency Award will recognize the amazing work immigrant settlement agencies are doing to help newcomers integrate and succeed in Canada. Concurrent with the RBC Top 25 Awards, we are now accepting nominations for the top immigrant settlement agencies in your community at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25.
One agency will be selected to receive the Settlement Agency Award for 2019 after an online voting process. Last year’s inaugural winner was Vancouver-based ISSofBC, one of the oldest immigrant-serving agencies in Canada.
Top 25 next steps
After nominations close, a distinguished panel of judges made up of past winners will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be announced online on March 29, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees in an online voting process.
After tabulation of votes and a second round of judging, the 25 winners will be announced in June 2018 in Canadian Immigrant and online at canadianimmigrant.ca. Winners will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation to a charity of their choice provided by RBC.