A New Judge welcomes New Canadians in the GTA
News release
Across Canada 1,950 new Canadians will be welcomed on Canada Day
June 29, 2018 – Toronto, ON – New Citizenship Judge Hardish K. Dhaliwal will preside over her first citizenship ceremonies on Canada Day. She will officiate at a special ceremony in the Council Chambers at the Ajax Town Hall in Ontario, where she will welcome 50 new Canadian citizens.
Together with Minister Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, she will also preside over a citizenship ceremony at Speducci Mercatto Restaurant in Toronto, welcoming another 25 new citizens into the Canadian family.
Across Canada, 1,950 people will become Canadians at 46 special Canada Day citizenship ceremonies on July 1.
Hardish K. Dhaliwal is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales with more than 25 years of senior management experience in the private, public and NGO sectors. She has worked throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America, and has had an extensive public service career with the Ontario Ministries of Citizenship and Immigration, Advanced Education and Skills Development, the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Treasury Board Secretariat.
As a citizenship judge, Hardish Dhaliwal will be responsible for making decisions on some citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens. She will also play an important role in promoting Canadian citizenship and civic values in communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Citizenship judges are Governor in Council appointments. New appointees are chosen from a list of qualified candidates who have gone through an open, transparent and merit-based selection process.
Quotes
“I am honoured to have been appointed a Citizenship Judge. I immigrated to Canada in 2002, and have vivid memories of my citizenship ceremony: people from all over the world gathered together with their families and friends. I remember our nerves, and our smiles. I remember our joy at becoming Canadian.
It is an immense privilege to be a citizen of this country that values and recognizes diversity as a strength and a pathway to the future. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to Canada—a place that has so enriched my own life.”
– Citizenship Judge Hardish K. Dhaliwal
“I know from personal experience what a special moment it is to become Canadian. The new Canadians will carry memories of this day with them always. For all of us, July 1 is a day to reflect on how fortunate we all are to live in this great country, a country where diversity is celebrated as a strength.
I am pleased to welcome Hardish Dhaliwal as a citizenship judge. She brings an impressive set of skills and experience to her position. I would like to congratulate Judge Dhaliwal on her success.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Member of Parliament for York South–Weston and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I am looking forward to this special citizenship ceremony on Canada Day at the Ajax Town Hall. I know the new Canadians will carry memories of this day with them always and it is my honour to be a part of their special day. Diversity leads Canada to greatness. This is a gift we all benefit from. To the new Canadians, welcome to your new permanent home!”
– Mark Holland, Member of Parliament for Ajax
Quick facts
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Over the last 10 years, Canada has welcomed nearly 1.7 million new Canadians.
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Citizenship ceremonies are the end of a long process of immigration, settlement and integration for a newcomer to Canada. Ceremonies are a moving and emotional celebration. Taking the Oath of Citizenship is also a necessary legal step to citizenship.
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Canada’s identity has been largely shaped by the significant cultural and economic contributions of immigrants. In Canada, diversity is our strength.
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There are now 14 citizenship judges across the country, located in Halifax, Montreal, the Greater Toronto Area, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia.
Associated links
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
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