Several Canadian Immigration Success Stories
People who immigrate to Canada not only receive many benefits from their new country, but they also contribute to Canadian society in a variety of ways. In June 2016, Canadian Immigrant magazine and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) honored 25 extraordinary immigrants who have made a positive impact on the country. People who live in Canada nominated immigrants whom they thought were making a significant difference in the country and then Canadians voted on the 75 finalists who had been selected from all of the nominations by a panel of judges. Winners of the “2016 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards” were announced in ceremonies held in Toronto on June 21st and in Vancouver on June 23, 2016, and received a nice plaque plus a $500 contribution to their preferred Canadian charity.
One of these Canadian immigration success stories belongs to Leen Al Zaibak, who was able to move to Canada from Syria with her family when she was a little girl. In addition to being named as one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants for 2016, she was also honored as the Torontonian of the Year in 2015. After immigration to Canada, she went on to earn her Master’s Degree in International Relations and has been very active in helping Syrian refugees and other immigrants get settled in Canada. She also helps Syrian children have the opportunity to attend university and facilitates Syrian refugee children living in different countries to receive an education. According to Leen Al Zaibak, “We all came from somewhere and it is our responsibility as members of the human race to always help others who deserve the same rights and quality of life we are so fortunate to enjoy here in Canada.”
When Harjit Sajjan was only five years of age, he and his family were approved to immigrate to Canada from India. After growing up in British Columbia, Harjit Sajjan joined the Canadian Armed Forces and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel before being appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Defence Minister at the end of 2015. For his accomplishments and contributions to Canada’s national security, Harjit Sajjan was honored as one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants of 2016.
Twenty-five years ago, Josephine Etowa immigrated to Canada from Nigeria. As a single mother, she benefitted from Canada’s excellent education system, earning bachelors and master’s degrees as well as a PhD in nursing. As a professor at the University of Ottawa, Dr. Josephine Etowa has conducted research on healthcare inequality and given back to her new country by working to improve the healthcare system in Canada and internationally, especially for disadvantaged populations, plus she mentors new nurses. Her efforts to make Canada and the world a better place to live did not go unnoticed, as she was among the top 25 immigrants to be recognized by RBC and Canadian Immigrant magazine this year.
These are just a few examples of the many people who immigrate to Canada, become successful and help to make this multicultural country one of the most desired places to live on the planet. If you and your family would like to move to Canada and write your own Canadian immigration success story, click here!
