Two Saint John-area newcomers are the only New Brunswick finalists for a prestigious immigrant award.
Saint John Newcomer Centre managing director Mohamed Bagha and comedian James Mullinger are among 75 people shortlisted for Canadian Immigrant magazine’s 18th edition of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants awards.
The awards recognize immigrants across Canada who have made a positive impact in their communities since arriving in the country, including advocates, volunteers and successful entrepreneurs.
Bagha and Mullinger are the only New Brunswickers on the list. According to the magazine’s website, finalists are selected by a panel of judges that includes past Top 25 winners and leaders working in immigrant and ethnic communities.
Judges review nomination forms at the end of the submission period — after they have been vetted by editorial staff for accuracy — and score candidates based on criteria such as achievements, impact of their work in their communities, and the challenges they have overcome.
The scores are compiled to determine the Top 75 finalists, ranked by overall results.
Bagha said for him, the nomination recognizes the work the centre has done to connect newcomers with the community.
“It clearly showcases that we have an ecosystem that is ready to welcome newcomers to a community and create the belonging that is important,” he said.
Originally from Kenya, Bagha has been the centre’s managing director since 2013. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a master of interdisciplinary studies focused on economic development and planning.
He has received several awards for his contributions to the Saint John region, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and has been honoured as Changemaker of the Year and Most Inspiring Immigrant in the Maritimes.
Bagha said this is his first nomination for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants awards.
He believes the recognition reflects his work with the newcomer centre, which he says has helped newcomers have a voice in their community, and helped employers in finding new talent.
“I see diversity as an asset for a country,” he said. “This really spill into us creating programs from Newcomers that are innovative in nature, and that reflect the opportunities so they can succeed.”
Mullinger, meanwhile, is best known in the region for his comedy career and media appearances, including CBC’s The Debaters and the documentary film City on Fire.
Originally from the U.K., Mullinger moved to New Brunswick in 2014 in search of a better life for his family.
He said he was surprised but pleased to be named a finalist.
“I certainly didn’t expect to be included in such an industrious list,” he said. “But I think one of the things that I love about this award it’s that is devoted to recognizing people who’ve come to Canada and want to build communities and volunteer and help others.”
During his time in Canada, Mullinger has promoted the country and raised more than $200,000 for charities and non-profits.
He said his motivation to give back stems from the way he was welcomed in the country.
“I came here expecting to have to kind of give up the comedy career that I had built up in England,” he said. “But I got here, and somehow the people of Saint John, the people of New Brunswick embraced me and gave me this life, a career that is arguably has been much better than it was back home.”
“But crucially, it has given me a sense of belonging.”
Mullinger said he doesn’t expect to win but considers it a reward to make a living travelling across the country and seeing people at their “absolute happiests.”
Bagha said winning would highlight New Brunswick’s ability to lead meaningful change.
Voting is open until June 12 and is available to anyone living in Canada. Voters can select up to three nominees per email address.
After the vote, the final 25 recipients will be chosen through a combination of judging panel scores and public voting, each accounting for 50 per cent.
