Minister Kenney Reappoints
Citizenship Judge Babikian
Toronto,
June 27, 2012 — In a press release issued today in Ottawa, Hon. Jason
Kenney, Minister Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, announced
the reappointment of Citizenship Judge Aris Babikian for a second
three-year term.
In its press
release the Ministry stated: “Gerald W. Pash has been appointed as
citizenship judge in British Columbia, Citizenship, Immigration and
Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. Two other
citizenship judges, Aris Babikian and Floyd Babcock, have been reappointed
in Ontario.
“Appointed
Citizenship Judge for Mississauga in June 2009, Aris Babikian acted for
over 18 years as citizenship and immigration advisor to the Social
Services Office of the Armenian Community Centre in Toronto. He has also
served as President of the Armenian National Federation of Canada,
Secretary of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC), and Agent General
for the National Ethnic Media and Press Council of Canada. As a journalist
and author, Judge Babikian has appeared on numerous television and radio
talk shows, and his articles have been published in numerous Canadian and
international publications. He has received many awards and accolades for
his voluntarism, among which are the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (25
years of service), The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Canada’s 125th
Confederation Commemorative Medal, and the National Ethnic Press and Media
Council (Human Rights/Social Justice Award).
"Citizenship
judges are appointed for a three-year period and are responsible for
making decisions with regard to citizenship applications, presiding over
citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new
citizens."
Judge
Babikian expressed his gratitude for his reappointment and said it is an
honour to serve as a citizenship judge. “It is also a privilege to serve
the people and government of Canada in any capacity. I am grateful to the
Government of Canada and to Minister Kenney for their trust and confidence
in me and in my contribution to the principles, mission, and values of
Canadian citizenry,” he said.
Photo
Caption
L
to R: Hon. Jason Kenney; His
Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of
Canada; and Judge Aris Babikian
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