Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards Are Back for the 16th Year

It’s time to vote for 2024’s most inspiring immigrants from the Top 75 finalists

TORONTO, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– Western Union and Canadian Immigrant magazine are proud to present the voting phase of the 16th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards via our online voting portal at: canadianimmigrant.ca/top25. All Canadians are invited to discover the shortlist of 75 finalists from across Canada, read their profiles and vote for their three favourites.

Now in its 16th year, this prestigious award has been recognizing and celebrating the stories of Canadian immigrants who have achieved great things while inspiring others and making an impact in their adopted country.

Over the last decade and a half, more than one thousand people have made the shortlist of Top 75 finalists, representing diverse professions, experiences and cultural backgrounds, from coast to coast.

The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program, also sponsored by COSTI Immigrant Services and Windmill Microlending, has been the leader in highlighting inspiring stories of immigrants in Canada, and, after an online voting and selection process, honouring 25 winners with the only national award celebrating immigrant success.

After the voting stage, this year’s Top 25 will join an inspiring group of past winners who are examples of true nation builders — from entrepreneurs and artists, to academics and community volunteers, to philanthropists and visionaries. Their stories differ, but they all have one thing in common — they have chosen Canada as their own and made it a better place.

“With 1.5 million immigrants set to arrive in Canada over the next three years, it’s important to be welcoming and supportive as they build their new lives in Canada. We at Canadian Immigrant are proud that all of these newcomers will be able to look at the finalists and winners of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards for inspiration and motivation,” says Sanjay Agnihotri, publisher of Canadian Immigrant.

“Shining a light on people from various backgrounds who have made Canada their home and contributed to the country’s economy, innovation, arts and communities, is an important way of bringing people and communities together.”

The Top 75 finalists were chosen from among hundreds of nominations by a judging panel composed of past winners.

“Western Union’s mission throughout our long history as a company is one of being purpose-driven, connecting people and communities through financial inclusion, while placing the customer at the center of everything we do,” said Ari Hagnas, Vice President, Western Union North America. “The close connection between our Canadian customers and their families living abroad together with the role our services play in helping create better lives are inextricably linked. As sponsor of these prestigious awards, we celebrate the contributions made by those that call Canada their new home and support them in their journey toward prosperity.”

Time to vote!

The public can now vote for up to three of their favourite finalists online at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25 until June 7, 2024.

The award winners will be announced online at www.canadianimmigrant.ca and in the August issue of Canadian Immigrant magazine.

Second annual Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award

After its launch last year, we are pleased to announce the return of the Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award.

The Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award recognizes individuals who are working above and beyond to empower and support the successful journeys of immigrants and refugees to Canada. Nominees must be Canadian residents, but can be born in or outside of Canada.

“Windmill Microlending is proud to sponsor the Empowerment Award at this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards,” says Oumar Dicko, National Director of Stakeholder Relations & Quebec at Windmill Microlending. “Our commitment to empowering immigrants and refugees enriches Canada. We celebrate individuals across the country who lend support to immigrants daily. Through the Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award, we honour their dedication to fostering inclusive communities.”

Running in conjunction with the Top 25 awards, this new award has a separate nomination process that remains open until April 19, 2024 online at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25/empowerment-award.

After the nomination phase closes, one winner will be selected by a judging panel; no votes required! The Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award winner will be announced along with the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners this summer.

Entrepreneur Award

This will be the 11th 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. No additional application is required to apply for this award.

Youth Award

For the ninth consecutive year, one of the Top 25 will be awarded the additional Youth Award, which recognizes 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 this award.

About Canadian Immigrant

Attracting more than 400,000 readers each month and over 100,000 visitors a month online, Canadian Immigrant is a national multimedia platform to help immigrants succeed in Canada, with content, resources and events on careers, education and settlement. Canadian Immigrant is the producer of the cross-country Canadian Immigrant Fairs. Canadian Immigrant is a division of Metroland Media Group, a dynamic media company with more than 100 community and daily newspapers in print and online, as well as innovative websites including wheels.ca, goldbook.ca, save.ca and localwork.ca. Learn more at canadianimmigrant.ca.

About Western Union

Western Union is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Western Union’s platform provides seamless cross-border flows and its leading global financial network bridges more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies. We connect businesses, financial institutions, governments, and consumers through one of the world’s widest reaching networks, accessing billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and approximately 600,000 retail locations. Western Union connects the world to bring boundless possibilities within reach.

About COSTI

Meeting the needs of a diverse society since 1952, COSTI is a community-based diverse social impact agency providing employment, educational, settlement and social services to all immigrant communities, new Canadians, and individuals in need of assistance. COSTI strives to be a leader in community service by using a client-focused, proactive, and innovative approach in planning, developing, and delivering services. Our programs ensure that regardless of language or cultural barriers, people communities are able to access information, use their existing skills and learn new ones that accelerate their ability to engage broadly and deeply in all aspects of Canadian society.

Operating from 18 locations in Toronto, York Region and the Region of Peel, COSTI provides services in more than 60 languages. We help over 39,000 individuals receive assistance.

Contacts

Canadian Immigrant
Laura Jackman
647-212-0549
ljackman@metroland.com