The Citizenship Commission: Profiles of Citizenship Judges

• BABCOCK, Floyd C.
• BABIKIAN, Aris
• CARVERY, Linda
• Dennison, John
• DHALIWAL, Harry (Harjit)
• DILLON, Anne
• FRUSTAGLIO, Joyce
• GERONIKOLOS, Crist
• GIROUX, Renée
• JOHNSON, Veronica
• KAINS, Anne-Marie
• MINOR, Dane
• Mozeson, Laurie Zandra
• O’MALLEY, Terrence M.
• Pash, Gerald
• ROBERTSON, Sharon Margaret
• ROY, Georgette
• SALCI, R.T. (Ted)
• SNIEGOWSKI, Wojciech
• SPRINGATE, George
• WATT, Robert
• WAY, Joan May
• Wong, Roy Chew Yee
• WOODARD, Joe

BABCOCK, Floyd C.

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Etobicoke in June 2009, he has extensive international and inter cultural experience. For several years he was General Secretary/Chief Executive of a major Canadian charity, traveling extensively throughout Canada and around the world promoting translation, publishing and educational literature. In recent years he had been in private practice in Toronto. As a leader in the charitable sector, Judge Babcock has a significant understanding of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. He has made valuable leadership contributions in assisting non profit organizations in areas of organizational development and cultural change within society. He has also served on several non profit Boards of Directors. He has been a champion of education and schools for the indigents through the Mustard Seed Mission operating in Indonesia. He serves on the board of Youth Unlimited which cares for disenfranchised youth in the Greater Toronto Area. Born in Saskatchewan, he was educated in Manitoba, Ontario and Kentucky. Judge Babcock holds Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate degrees and is also an ordained minister.

BABIKIAN, Aris

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, in June 2009, he was previously serving on the Ontario Film Review Board and was the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Canada in Ottawa. As a volunteer, he has served as President of the Armenian National Federation of Canada, secretary of the Canadian Ethno cultural Council, Agent General (Ottawa) for the National Ethnic Media and Press Council of Canada. He has participated in the UN’s World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance and was a founding member of the Willowdale Legal Aid Service and the Wishing Well Community Association. 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. Judge Babikian has received many awards and accolades for his outstanding volunteer services to the Canadian civil society, among which are the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (25 years of service), The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Canada’s 125^th Confederation Commemorative Medal, and the National Ethnic Press and Media Council (Human Rights/Social Justice Award).

CARVERY, Linda

Appointed Citizenship Judge for the Atlantic Region in August 2007, she is an entrepreneur involved in the economic and social development of her community. She served as Executive Director of the African Nova Scotian Training Centre and was Coordinator for the C.O.A.C.H. Project, a program designed to provide African Nova Scotia offenders with life skills, anger management, self-affirmation and support to facilitate their integration into the community. She has served on such boards as the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Congress of Black Women, National Parole Board, Symphony Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Arts Council. Judge Carvery is a community leader and an advocate for human rights having devoted herself to working with persons with disabilities, women, youth in crisis and single parents. An accomplished performer/singer and a successful recording artist, she has won an East Coast Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year and is the past President of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir. Judge Carvery received an honorary Doctorate of Letters in 1998, from Saint Mary’s University.

Dennison, John

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Ottawa in October 2012, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Laurentian University in Sudbury, and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University. Originally from Guyana, Judge Dennison has over 25 years of experience working on multiculturalism related issues in the Government of Canada, including at Citizenship and Immigration and Canadian Heritage. He is the Founding Chairman of Cathedral Arts, the performing and visual arts programme of Christ Church Cathedral Ottawa. He has served on the Ottawa Public Library Board Foundation and volunteered with a number of community organizations in Ottawa. Judge Dennison has been the recipient of a number of awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award Medal; Lignum Vitae Award, National Institute of Jamaican Canadians for outstanding leadership in the Ottawa community; Community Builder Award, United Way of Ottawa, for contributing to the engagement of the Black community in the arts in Ottawa; and, Award of Excellence, North American Black Historical Museum and Society Inc., for exceptional contribution to improving awareness and appreciation of Black Canadian Heritage.

DHALIWAL, Harry (Harjit)

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Mississauga in March 2012, he is a business professional with a progressive and diverse set of experiences that includes owning small businesses, consultations, community services and civic involvements. He served the community through involvement with a wide range of service clubs, community and business organizations and youth initiatives: Judge Dhaliwal was president of the Erin Mills Lions Club, a founding member of the International Punjabi Chamber of Commerce, served on the United Way board, was a member of the Mississauga Arts Review Task Force, and was chair of the Children’s Wish Maker’s Parade in Peel. For the last two decades he has been an Elite Judge for national and international folkdance and music competitions in Canada. Judge Dhaliwal has helped to raised funds for the Toronto Eye Foundation, Canadian Diabetes associations, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, various Hospitals, and the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, an Ophthalmic Dispensing Diploma from Seneca College and a Real Estate Broker Licence from the Toronto Real Estate Board.

DILLON, Ann

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Vancouver in September 2009, she practiced law in Toronto as a partner of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and of Torys LLP. Her work focused on corporate and securities transactions but she also acted pro bono in assisting various non-profit organizations. Since 1997 Judge Dillon has lived in Vancouver where she has been involved with volunteer activities, primarily in the educational sector. She has served as a director and member of the executive of the board of Mulgrave School, assuming leadership roles in communications and strategic planning. She is also a governor of Shawinigan Lake School. Judge Dillon was for several years a director and the secretary of the board of a women’s hostel and has been a volunteer for the Writers’ Development Trust and the Canadian Cancer Society. Judge Dillon received a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto.

FRUSTAGLIO, Joyce

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Toronto in December 2011, she has been a community activist and volunteer for 40 years. She served on numerous boards of charitable organizations including the Board of Trustees of York Central Hospital, the Founding Board of the New Vaughan Hospital, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection for which she was the longest standing board member. She has been elected as a school trustee, a Regional Councillor, and Deputy Mayor for the city of Vaughan. She also co-founded VITA Community Living Services and served as V.P. and President for over 20 years. A four time cancer survivor, Judge Frustaglio is a great advocate for cancer patients and patient’s rights. She has received the Outstanding Woman of the Year award, the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award, and the Heart and Hand award from Villa Charities. She has also recently received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her service to the community.

GERONIKOLOS, Crist

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Scarborough, Ontario, in May 2010, Judge Geronikolos received training in the Financial Services field. Over a period of 30 years he established himself as a reliable provider of Life Insurance and Retirement products representing some of Canada’s largest Insurance Companies. He achieved the designation of EPC (Elder Planning Counsellor) in 2000. In 1992, together with his partners, he established Premier Financial Services Inc. based in Toronto. In addition to his professional activities, Judge Geronikolos is well known for his community based volunteer activities, spanning over 35 years, which includes raising money for Sick Kids Hospital and his involvement in kid’s sports. He has received numerous awards and commendations for his volunteer community involvement. He is the past President of The Greek Community of Toronto, The Canadian Hellenic Congress and District Governor for Eastern Canada of The Canadian Order of Ahepa.

GIROUX, Renée

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Montreal in October 2009, she is a lawyer. Prior to her appointment, she served as judicial attaché within the Ministry of Justice of Quebec where she filled different functions in civil and criminal law.

Very active as a volunteer in her community, Judge Giroux is especially interested in crime prevention and public safety. She established Info-Crime on the south shore of Montreal where she acted as President and member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee for Info-Crime Quebec. She is now Vice-President for her region. In addition to coming to the defense of abandoned or mistreated animals, Judge Giroux gives her time to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada by actively participating in campaigns to raise funds. Judge Giroux graduated in management from the École des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC Montreal) and in law from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). She is a member of the Bar of the province of Quebec.

JOHNSON, Veronica

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Montreal in August 2011, she was an educator for over 25 years. She taught History and English at the high school level and in adult education before being promoted as a high school Vice-Principal and then Assistant Director of an Adult Education Centre serving students from around the world.

Judge Johnson was a founding Board member of West Island Community Shares, a fund raising group for local charities. She was also a Board member of West Island Black Community Association and was its chairperson for two terms. She has also been a frequent speaker at community forums and a lecturer on Black History, Multiculturalism and self-esteem in children.

Judge Johnson graduated from Sir George Williams (now Concordia) University with distinction in Economics and Political Science. She also has a Diploma in Education, a TESL Certificate and a Certificate in Educational Leadership from McGill University.

KAINS, Anne-Marie

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Vancouver in August 2009, she previously had an accomplished business career in telecommunications in her work for BC Tel, Stentor and Telus. Her extensive background in negotiations, telecommunications technology, executive management, operations, marketing and human resources has been recognized both professionally and in her community. She has been the recipient of many business awards for leadership and innovation as well as the Lion’s Gate Hospital “Dr. of Philanthropy” designation. Judge Kains has served as a Board member for Family Services of the North Shore, the Salvation Army, British Columbia Automobile Association, and Grace Hospital – Vancouver. She has chaired Ethics and Governance, Security and Selection committees and been appointed to the North Shore Family Court Committee. Judge Kains is also committed to S.O.S. Children’s Villages Canada and S.O.S. Villages, Barretts Town, Jamaica. She played a significant role in the fundraising efforts for the Lions Gate Hospital Hospice in 2008 and continues to be actively involved in her community. Judge Kains has a Bachelors Degree from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma in Organizational Behaviour from Simon Fraser University.

MINOR, Dane

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Surrey, British Columbia, in February 2011, Judge Minor is a retired sales and marketing executive in the office technology field. He has extensive community experience in issues related to youth crime, gang violence and victims of crime. Prior to his appointment, he was active as a victim’s rights advocate. Judge Minor served as Vice Chair of the Victims Advisory Council to the Parole Board of Canada and Correctional Services Canada. In 1993, he co-founded Crime, Responsibility and Youth, and worked with the organization until 2003. He has spent a number of years actively involved in community initiatives and is recognized for his work in ethnic outreach. Judge Minor holds a Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Economics and recently was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to the community.

Mozeson, Laurie Zandra

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Edmonton, Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, in October 2012, she is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Arts and Law. She began her legal career as a Prosecutor in 1978 with the Attorney General of Alberta. In 1982, Judge Mozeson became a Prosecutor with the Federal Department of Justice until 1991, when she served as a Sitting Justice of the Peace with the newly created Traffic Division – Provincial Court of Alberta. In 2009, she went back to Alberta Department of Justice and resumed her career as a prosecutor. Judge Mozeson has been an active volunteer in her community, including the first female president of the Beth Israel Synagogue, Co-President of the Alberta Association of Sitting Justices of the Peace and Board member and fundraiser for many organizations. Judge Mozeson recently received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her service to the community.

O’MALLEY, Terrence M.

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Regina in August 2009, he hails from Toronto. but joined the National and Olympic hockey university program in Vancouver and Winnipeg. His career development centered around education and international hockey including seven years with the Japan Hockey League and a head coach position with the University of British Columbia. Following his hockey career, he joined Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, Saskatchewan where during 23 years he served in many capacities including president between 2003 and 2006. He was a member of the Canadian Olympic and National hockey team from 1964 to 1970, again in 1980, and in 1966, was captain of the team. Judge O’Malley was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Canadian History from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD in Sacred Letters from St. Mark’s Theological College, at the University of British Columbia. He has also served in many volunteer capacities in Regina: vice president of the Big Brothers of Regina, Board Member of “one life makes a difference” Foundation, assistant coach with the University of Regina Cougar Women’s Hockey Team, the Marion Center and Hockey Regina.

Pash, Gerald

Judge Pash was appointed Citizenship Judge for British Columbia in June 2012. Following a 27-year career in radio broadcasting, he worked for the Department of National Defence for 22 years as a public affairs officer at the Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters, in Victoria, B.C. In his civilian occupations and as a Canadian Forces reservist, Judge Pash has received several awards in recogntion of his commitment to active, engaged citizenship involving health, education, law enforcement, families, women, youth, veterans, heritage, culture, arts, and commerce. For 13 years he volunteered as an auxiliary RCMP constable and served for 25 years in the Canadian Forces Reserve in the Public Affairs Branch and as a Cadet Instructor. An Aide de Camp to the Lieut.-Governor of B.C., he retired at the rank of Lieut.-Commander. The B.C. Association of Broadcasters named him “Broadcaster Citizen of the Year,” and he was Penticton “Citizen of the Year.” A member of Rotary for over forty years he is a Paul Harris Fellow. Nationally, Judge Pash is an Officer of the Order of St. John, and he holds the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, the Candian Forces Decoration and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

ROY, Georgette

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Fredericton in June 2010, she was previously Chair of the Board of Directors of Service New Brunswick, for seven years and was also Executive Director of the NB Liquor Licensing Board for 13 years. Judge Roy was the first woman appointed as an Executive Assistant in New Brunswick for 2 years, to the Minister of Tourism followed by 9 years with the Minister of Municipal Affairs. She was President of the Epsilon Y’s Menettes, a YMCA group in Fredericton, a former member of the Kidney Foundation, the YMCA Endowment Board and the Home and School Association in Campbellton. Judge Roy is actively involved in her community where she does charitable work with the homeless shelters in Fredericton. She is a graduate of Chatelain Business College in Montreal and has also completed several management courses.

SALCI, R.T. (Ted)

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Niagara Falls and Hamilton in February 2012, Judge Salci is the former Mayor of Niagara Falls, serving the municipality from 2003 to 2010. Prior to his time as Mayor, Judge Salci served as a member of the Board on the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission where he adjudicated hearings across Ontario as well as having served as Vice Chair of Niagara Regional Police Services Board. Judge Salci began his career in Niagara Falls as a Real Estate Broker and successful owner of a local real estate company for 25 years. He has volunteered his time with the Rotary Club of Niagara Sunrise as President in 2000 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Ted served as President of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, as well as holding multiple volunteer positions with the Greater Niagara General Hospital Foundation, Project SHARE and Saint Michael’s High School Parent Council. Judge Salci has received numerous awards and recognition for his service to his community.

ROBERTSON, Sharon Margaret

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Kitchener in January 2010, she served for over 30 years as a teacher in both elementary and secondary panels and as an elementary principal. She has been an international, national, and provincial presenter of learning strategies for educators. She worked as an education consultant in the Waterloo Region technology sector and she also presented workshops in Emotional Intelligence to teachers and administrators. Judge Robertson is certified in neurofeedback and worked in a private educational clinic which specializes in neurofeedback with adults and children. She was contracted to co-write the Teach Now manual for internationally trained educators who are interested in pursuing teaching in Canada. Judge Robertson has been honoured as a recipient of the University of Waterloo Alumni Achievement Award and was on the University of Waterloo Senate. She was also awarded the Kitchener-Waterloo Woman of the Year Award, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Race Relations Education Award. Judge Robertson has a Master of Education degree from Brock University, a Bachelor Education degree from University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

SNIEGOWSKI, Wojciech

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, in August 2009, he was for a period of ten years president of the Canada – Poland Chamber of Commerce of Toronto. As a vice president, he co-created and managed the event Management Company staging annual ethnic festival at Ontario Place, managing trade exhibits and hosting trade. He founded and co-managed a consulting practice in the field of immigration and served two terms as a member of the Community Reference Group on Ethno-Racial and Aboriginal Access to Metropolitan Toronto Inc. Services advising Metro Toronto administration on wide range of municipal issues. He currently serves as a member of the Chief of Toronto Police Advisory Council and as Chairman of the Board of Canada – Poland Chamber of Commerce of Toronto. As an associate producer he is in charge of the production team creating two Polish language weekly TV shows, airing on OMNI TV channels.

Judge Sniegowski holds a Master of Administration from the Department of Law and Administration of The Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.

SPRINGATE, George

Judge Springate was appointed Senior Citizenship Judge in October 2008. He served as a Citizenship Judge in Montreal from December 1999 to March 2005 and returned in November 2006. Earlier in his career, Judge Springate joined the Montreal Police Department where he became a spokesperson for the department, and was seen daily on CFCF‑TV for eight years. After his career as a police officer, Judge Springate became a member of the Quebec National Assembly, where he served three terms in office. While fulfilling his electoral responsibilities, he became a founding member of the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College, where he was a tenured professor in civil and criminal law. He was also a team member of the Montreal Alouettes, and played on the 1970 Grey Cup winning team. Judge Springate is a member of the Order of Canada, and has a Bachelor of Arts, (Psychology) from Sir George Williams University and a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Bachelor of Laws from McGill University. He was subsequently awarded a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.

WATT, Robert

Appointed Citizenship Judge based in Vancouver in September 2009, he is a Canadian social historian who has served as the first Chief Herald of Canada from 1988-2007 in the Office of the Governor General. He was previously Director of the Vancouver Museum, and the city of Vancouver Archivist. Judge Watt has served in several areas of heritage preservation and on the boards of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, the International Academy of Heraldy, the B.C. Museums Association, and the Vancouver Historical Society. He was also president of the Bureau permanent des congrès internationaux des sciences généalogique et héraldique. He has written, published and lectured extensively in Canada and internationally on Canadian heraldry, Canadian social history and material culture, notably historic Canadian stained glass, museum and archival studies and genealogy. Appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) he is also an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John and received the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. Judge Watt holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Carleton University.

WAY, Joan May

Appointed Citizenship Judge in Calgary in October 2008, she has devoted most of her life to volunteering in her community, local schools, and church. She has held numerous positions of leadership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most recently, she was President of the Relief Society Organization, an organization of over 100 women who help service the needs of various charitable and volunteer organizations including the Calgary Food Bank, Cancer Society and the Calgary Homeless Shelter. Judge Way was also President of the Children’s Primary Association and the Young Women’s Association. She has worked in the oil sector, and in the public school system utilizing her degree in library sciences and taught English as a Second Language program for new immigrants. She has been a host to students from around the world in her home and received service awards for dedication in the school. Judge Way holds a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics from the University of Calgary and a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Wong, Roy Chew Yee

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Vancouver, in October 2012, he practiced law in Québec and British Columbia for many years. He previously served on the administrative tribunal at the Appeal Division under the British Columbia Workers’ Compensation Act. He also pursued a career as a professional artist painting in oil and watercolors. He has served as a director and member of the executive board at the Montréal Chinese Hospital. Judge Wong received a Bachelor of Arts in science and philosophy from New York University and earned a degree in Québec civil law from Université de Montréal. He later studied common law at the University of British Columbia.

WOODARD, Joe

Appointed Citizenship Judge for Calgary in March 2012, Judge Woodard has worked as an academic, a journalist and a writer. As the religion editor of the Calgary Herald, he developed broad relationships with that city’s ethnic communities. He also served as the Child and Family Policy advisor for the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, was the founding vice president of Canada Family Action, and a board member of several family support charities. Judge Woodard has taught political science and social philosophy at several universities; he earned degrees from the University of Alberta (B.A., 1975), Dalhousie University (M.A., 1980), St. John’s College (M.Lib.Std., 1980), and Claremont Graduate School (Ph.D., 1988).