Minister Hussen Appoints 10 New Citizenship Judges

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Announcement of New Citizenship Judges

On May 17, 2018, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, announced the appointment of 10 new citizenship judges. This significant move reinforces Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Joan Mahoney, Halifax, NS (full-time)
• Marie Senécal-Tremblay, Montréal, QC (full-time)
• Rania Sfeir, Montréal, QC (part-time)
• Hardish Dhaliwal, Greater Toronto Area, ON (full-time)
• Rodney Simmons, Greater Toronto Area, ON (full-time)
• Albert Wong, Greater Toronto Area, ON (part-time)
• Rochelle Ivri, Greater Toronto Area, ON (part-time)
• Suzanne Carrière, Winnipeg, MB (full-time)
• Claude Villeneuve, Edmonton, AB (full-time)
• Carol-Ann Hart, Vancouver, BC (full-time)

The profiles of these judges are available in the backgrounder. Their selection followed an open and transparent process based on merit.

Role and Impact of Citizenship Judges

Responsibilities and Community Role

Citizenship judges play a crucial role in Canada. They decide on certain citizenship applications, oversee citizenship ceremonies, and administer the oath of citizenship. They also promote Canadian values and citizenship within their communities.

Selection Process

Judges are appointed by the Governor in Council, upon the Minister’s recommendation. Candidates are assessed on skills such as analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, and community engagement.

Official Statements

“I am pleased to welcome these diverse and talented Canadians as citizenship judges. Each brings impressive skills and experience, promoting Canadian citizenship and fostering an inclusive society. Congratulations to all our new judges.”

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Facts to Know

• Canada now has 14 citizenship judges based in cities like Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver.
• In 2017, over 1,400 citizenship ceremonies were conducted, welcoming approximately 105,000 new Canadians.

FAQs

What is the role of a citizenship judge in Canada?

Citizenship judges make decisions on citizenship applications, oversee ceremonies, and promote Canadian values.

How are citizenship judges selected?

Judges are appointed through a merit-based process, focusing on skills like decision-making and communication.

How many citizenship judges are there in Canada?

Canada currently has 14 citizenship judges across various cities.

For more details on the process, you can learn about the selection process.

Read our immigration guide to understand more about becoming a Canadian citizen.