Canada Honours 25 Immigrants for Their Contributions to Society
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Canada has honoured 25 immigrants for their contributions across business, media, sports, culture and community service as part of the 18th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.
The 2026 recipients were selected following a process that included public nominations, judging and voting. The awards recognize immigrants from different backgrounds who have built successful careers and made a positive impact on Canadian society.
Among this year’s honourees are Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, who immigrated to Canada from Barbados as a child; broadcaster and designer Hazel Mae, who came to Canada from the Philippines; and former professional soccer player and coach Carl Valentine.
The list also includes Shivani Dhamija, founder of Halifax-based Shivani’s Kitchen, who received this year’s Entrepreneur Award. Dhamija moved to Canada from India in 2011 before building a food manufacturing business with sales exceeding $1.5 million.
Poshak Sachdeva, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, received the Youth Award.
The annual awards highlight the role immigrants play in Canada’s economy, arts, innovation and local communities, while showcasing different paths to professional and personal success after immigration.
For newcomers and immigrant communities across Canada, the honourees also provide examples of how starting a new life in the country can grow beyond settlement and employment into entrepreneurship, leadership and broader community participation.
