Canadian Immigrants Honoured for Contributions at Top 25 Awards

Canadian immigrants were honoured for their contributions to Canada at the 18th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. The awards celebrate immigrant success stories from coast to coast, highlighting those who contribute to Canada's economy, innovation, arts, and communities.

Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF, was among the recipients. He recalled feeling like an outsider when he first came to Canada at age seven from Barbados. However, he now sees being an immigrant as a strength: 'I think that’s a strength... having multiple cultures that I feel a part of, that feeling of being at home in the whole world and being able to do that in Canada is a real power.'

Shivani Dhamija was honoured with this year's Entrepreneur Award. She came from India and built Shivani's Kitchen, a food manufacturing business from scratch, which now totals over $1.5 million in sales. She urged young people questioning their decision to move to a new country to face challenges head-on.

Other recipients included Rogers Sportsnet broadcaster Hazel Mae, who immigrated from the Philippines, and former professional soccer player Carl Valentine. A list of this year's award winners is available online.