Several notable figures from the entertainment industry, sports, and community outreach were celebrated on Wednesday at the 18th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. This prestigious event recognizes the impactful stories of immigrants contributing to Canadian society across various sectors, including economy, innovation, arts, and community development.
The award winners were selected following a thorough nomination and judging process, which highlights the diverse contributions of immigrants from coast to coast in Canada. Among the distinguished recipients is Cameron Bailey, the CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Bailey shared his personal journey of immigrating to Canada from Barbados at the age of seven, expressing that he has always kept the immigrant experience close to his heart.
In a conversation with OMNI News, Bailey stated, “I think that’s a strength. I didn’t always think that. For a long time I felt like an outsider, I felt like I had to learn this new place like many immigrants do. There were some things I didn’t understand and I was subject to some discrimination. But now I’ve come to see that being from somewhere else, 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.” His reflection emphasizes the challenges and rewards that come with the immigrant experience.
Another highlight of the awards came from Shivani Dhamija, who received this year’s Entrepreneur Award. Dhamija immigrated from India to Halifax in 2011 and established Shivani’s Kitchen, a food manufacturing business that has grown to over $1.5 million in sales, earning her the title of “Spice Queen of Atlantic Canada.” She addressed the obstacles newcomers frequently face and urged young immigrants to confront these challenges bravely.
“You’ve already solved one problem by coming to a different country,” she remarked. Dhamija encouraged individuals questioning their decisions about relocating to embrace their vulnerability in unfamiliar environments. “When we come from a different country, we have a lot of questions within us because it’s a different environment, we’re not sure, we don’t want to offend other people. So I always tell other people that you need to give up that shyness and go and ask the questions—no question is a silly question,” she advised.
In addition to Bailey and Dhamija, other notable awardees included Hazel Mae, a broadcaster with Rogers Sportsnet and a fashion designer, who emigrated from the Philippines, as well as former professional soccer player and coach Carl Valentine. These individuals exemplify the diverse paths and achievements that immigrants contribute to the Canadian fabric.
