Rotarian Dr. Hutchinson Honoured
2009-03-08 11:13:23
Canada thanks immigrant volunteers
Staff photo by Fred Loek
Mississauga resident Victor Oh, right, received the 2008 Citation for Citizenship earlier today from Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney, centre, during a ceremony. Also receiving the award was Brampton's Dr. Anthony Hutchinson.
February 27, 2009 05:34 PM - Thirty years ago, when Victor Oh immigrated to Mississauga from Singapore, he had no idea how to go about getting settled in his new country. Through trial and error, he eventually managed to set up a successful construction business. Since then, Oh has vowed to make the path easier for other newcomers. And he has done just that. Oh, honorary president of the Mississauga Chinese Business Association, was one of 11 people from across Canada to receive today a 2008 Citation for Citizenship Award. He received a gold maple leaf pin and a certificate from Jason Kenney, Canada's minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism, at a ceremony in Mississauga. The award honours Canadians for their work in helping immigrants and refugees make a smooth transition to their new lives. For more than two decades, Oh has hosted and welcomed hundreds of newcomers to Mississauga and guided them through the settlement process. “When I first came to Mississauga, I had to find my own way for everything,” Oh said. “It was so time-consuming because it took me days to do one thing. So I decided I wanted to help my community and new immigrants start their life in Canada.” Oh shares his experiences with newcomers and helps them set up new businesses. Furthermore, he created Peel Region Employment Preparation, an organization that provides training, career counselling and job placement for immigrants. “I tell newcomers the most important thing they can do to become good Canadians is to volunteer their time,” Oh said. “And I tell them not to remain in their own cocoon.” The Mississauga businessman said a team of volunteers and his family help him in his work. “Canada has benefitted tremendously from the ongoing hard work and dedication of Mr. Oh and all the recipients of the Citation for Citizenship,” said Kenney. “This award recognizes their accomplishments as well as what they represent as citizens of Canada – humanity, compassion and a concern for others, and for that, they have my respect, admiration and deepest appreciation.”