News Release - Citizenship Judge Appointments

OTTAWA, October 31, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced the appointment of four citizenship judges.

Renata Brum Bozzi is a Senior Associate with the High Park Group. She has been active in the promotion of civil rights and was Executive Director of the Catholic Civil Rights League from 1994 to 1998. Ms. Brum Bozzi has also worked as a researcher at Stikeman Elliott LLP.

Mina Fung is experienced in helping newcomers adjust to cultural and life changes. She serves as Executive Director and newcomer settlement program worker, and coordinator for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada at the Chinese Association of Mississauga program within the Association. Ms. Fung also teacher English as a second language and citizenship classes at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. In addition, she is an interpreter and translator at the Centre for Education and Training.

Raminder Gill is an active member of the University of Toronto Chemical Engineering Faculty Advisory Board and works as an international consultant. A former member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Gill is an active spokesperson and volunteer in his community. He also has experience as the Director of Operations for several multinational pharmaceutical companies.

George Springate is a member of the Order of Canada. In 1958, he joined the Montréal Police Department. During his seven years with the department, Mr. Springate pursued his studies in law and received a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa. Mr. Springate has also been a Member of the Québec National Assembly. While in office, he played for the Montréal Alouettes and was a member of the 1970 Grey Cup winning team.

Citizenship judges are appointed by order-in-council and are responsible for making decisions with regard to applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

For more information:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064