Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, at news conference announcing Newcomer Recognition Awards, June 10, 2022. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Mario Cabradilla

Alberta to recognize the accomplishments of newcomers

Jun 10, 2022 | 2:04 PM

CALGARY, AB – The Government of Alberta has launched a new awards program to recognize the accomplishments of immigrants in the province.

In a news conference June 10, 2022, the provincial government said that the Newcomer Recognition Awards program honours the achievements of immigrants to Alberta, in addition to informing people how immigrants contribute to making neighbourhoods, schools and the economy more inclusive and diverse.

Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, said that the award is also one way the province can fight against racism.

“Recent reports of harassment and hate are a reminder that we must continue to speak out against racism,” said Yaseen. He also encourages immigrants across Alberta to share their stories and successes.

According to a June 10 news release, the provincial government aims to revitalize rural Alberta with new immigration streams by “removing barriers and setting the building blocks to welcome job-creating immigrants to local communities.”

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As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, government officials say they are creating more opportunities for people to settle in Alberta, start businesses and create more jobs.

Sarosh Rizvi, executive director of the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies, said that immigrants have contributed to the province for many years.

“Newcomers have been making a tremendous impact on Alberta’s society and economy, socially and culturally, for decades,” said Rizvi. “We continue to welcome hundreds of thousands of newcomers, supported through almost 100 agencies in our province, helping new Albertans every day to thrive and realize their potential in their new lives and, for that, we are all richer as a society.”

“I am excited that these newcomers who have contributed so much to our society will now be recognized and celebrated publicly as they so richly deserve,” Rizvi said.

The Newcomer Recognition Awards program has nine categories: Small Communities Enhancement Award, Inclusive Workplaces Award, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Young Leader Award, Newcomer Champion Award, Career and Academics Contribution Award, Student Inspiration Award, Women Newcomer Impact Award and Senior Spirit Award.

Nominees must be an individual and not a group or an organization. They must be permanent residents or citizens born outside Canada, and must not have received a similar award from the Government of Alberta.

For more information on the eligibility of nominees and how to nominate an individual, visit the Government of Alberta website.

Nominations are open until July 24, 2022.