Canada’s population is booming thanks to immigration. People from all over the world choose Canada as their adopted home — making it a better place in the process. The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards have been focused on celebrating these immigrants since its launch 16 years ago.
Presented by Western Union, the Top 25 awards share the inspiring success stories of immigrants and refugees who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, from coast to coast.
Among the 25 honorees are four remarkable individuals of Jamaican descent: Noel Cunningham, Nadine Williams , Andre Smith, and Dr. Gervan Fearon.
Noel Cunningham is a multi-award-winning Jamaican-Canadian chef, food expert on television, host of a popular food podcast, food writer, and best-selling cookbook author. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and based in Toronto, Ontario, he is one of Canada’s most renowned chefs.
He was recognized as one of the most significant and prominent next-generation Jamaica 60 Toronto Game Changers in 2022. As a food writer and culinary podcaster, He is passionate about promoting and highlighting Caribbean cuisine, as well as advocating for chefs, restaurants, and the food industry. He was the youngest chef on the Jamaican culinary team that went to the James Beard House in New York in 2018 to represent Jamaica.
Cunningham’s dedication to showcasing Jamaican cuisine and his efforts to inspire the next generation of culinary artistes have earned him numerous awards, including the Best Black Chef in Canada and Best Podcaster.
Nadine Williams, an award-winning Jamaican Canadian author and poet, has made substantial contributions to Canadian literature and education. Originally from St. Mary, Jamaica, and now residing in Ontario, Williams has published numerous works, including poetry collections and children’s books that are featured in Canadian school curricula. Her contributions to Black History Month and her work as presenter and a guest lecturer to the African Writers Club at the University of Viena, May 2019, have earned her recognition and several other prestigious honors. Her commitment to the arts and her advocacy for the African diaspora are reflected in her exhibitions and her role as the resident poet for the Caribbean Consular Corps.
Andre Smith is the founder and CEO of Flip & Floss, operating under the banner of Flip Academy, a premier fintech company dedicated to revolutionizing financial literacy education for children. Leveraging innovative tools such as animation, simulation and gamification, Smith and his team have been instrumental in empowering young minds with essential money management skills.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment to promoting financial literacy, Smith was honored with the prestigious CBC Toronto award in 2020 for his voluntary contributions to the cause. His company, Flip Academy, was also named a finalist in the 2023 Small Business Big Impact Award by Meridian Credit Union. He extends his passion for mentorship beyond his professional endeavors, volunteering at YESS Global where he provides invaluable guidance to high school students
Dr. Gervan Fearon, another distinguished awardee, has also made notable contributions. He has been named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants this year for his lifelong championship of education as a pathway for equitable social and economic prosperity. Fearon became president of George Brown College in August 2021. He supports career-oriented programs to meet the needs of students and the demands of employers, advance college-led research, and enhance community engagement, and is instrumental in leading George Brown’s efforts to provide transformative education opportunities that benefit learners, industry and the greater community.
These awards not only honor the individual accomplishments of Cunningham, Smith, Williams, and Fearon, but also celebrate the broader contributions of immigrants to Canada’s vibrant and diverse society.
