2015 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards open call for nominations

CANADIAN Immigrant magazine has announced the call for nominations for the seventh annual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

This awards program has recognized 150 outstanding Canadian immigrants, whose stories and achievements have inspired Canadians over the past six years. The program is presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine and is supported by title and founding sponsor RBC Royal Bank and associate sponsor Chevrolet.

“Newcomers need role models, and who better to be inspiring examples than someone who has walked in their shoes?” says Margaret Jetelina, Editor, Canadian Immigrant magazine. “This awards program is about finding immigrants who have achieved great things on a professional or personal level, and can share their inspiring stories with the thousands of newcomers who are just starting their journey.”

Past winners have included former Governors General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson and Michaëlle Jean, national broadcaster Ian Hanomansing, NBA MVP Steve Nash,  entrepreneur Robert Herjavec, Many more community volunteers, artists, entrepreneurs and politicians have also been honoured.

This national people’s choice award encourages Canadians to first nominate and then vote directly for individuals who have made a difference since their arrival in Canada. More than 40,000 votes from across Canada were cast in the 2014 awards program.

“There are many reasons why individuals choose to come to Canada, but you only need one reason to nominate someone: because they made a difference to you” said Christine Shisler, Director of Cultural Markets, RBC. “Past winners have diverse backgrounds and enriched Canada socially, culturally and economically. That’s why this year, RBC is also pleased to introduce the RBC Entrepreneur Award, to further recognize one of the Top 25 winners  who has shown excellence in business.”

A nominee can be someone who has immigrated to Canada and has since contributed to the diversity and success of this country and / or its people. Achievements can be either professional or personal. Nominees must hold landed immigrant (permanent resident) or citizen status in Canada, and must reside in Canada.

“The awards program recognizes people who have shared their passions for Canada as they earned significant achievements and realized their dreams,” said John Roth, Vice President for Chevrolet in Canada. “The Chevrolet Ingenuity Award will further recognize the efforts of a truly inspirational individual.”

Nominations can be made by visiting canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 until

February 26, 11:59 p.m. EST. A distinguished panel of judges will review all nominees and present a list of 75 finalists who will be profiled online in March, after which all Canadians can vote for their favourite nominees.

The 25 winners will be announced in June 2015, and will be recognized in the July print edition of Canadian Immigrant magazine and online on canadianimmigrant.ca. Winners will also receive a commemorative plaque and $500 towards a charity of their choice provided by RBC.