Thank you.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, mesdames et monsieurs. Thank you very much for inviting me to appear before you today. Indeed, it is an honour for me to appear before such a distinguished panel of public representatives.
A study of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website reveals that a citizenship judge should have skills in the areas of analytical and conceptual thinking, communication, problem solving, information seeking, and decision making. This individual should also have knowledge of and be willing to undergo further training in the Citizenship Act and regulations.
When you look into my academic achievements and past experiences, you will be most assured that I have met all the above expectations. I graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic in management studies and was admitted as an associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in London, England. I worked as a company secretary of a publicly listed company in Hong Kong, a position equivalent to the chief administrative officer.
In 1987 I immigrated to Canada and in 1990 I was granted Canadian citizenship. It was certainly a unique and memorable moment in my life, and I cherish it even today. Since 1997 I've been teaching English as a second language, that is ESL, and citizenship classes. In 2000 I also got my TESL Ontario certificate to teach ESL. Also, I've been a coordinator for the LINC program, that is language instruction for newcomers to Canada, and also co-chair of the Peel LINC partnership. I also worked for over ten years as a newcomer settlement program worker and helped newcomers to settle and integrate into Canada.
As an ESL and citizenship teacher I was able to help newcomers not only to learn English and about Canada, I helped them adapt to changes in life and to Canadian culture. I enjoyed working with my students because the feedback I received from them was very positive. After the course, students would tell me how much they had learned about Canada and that they were now able to appreciate the country they live in and were able to become Canadian citizens.
The most rewarding part of my teaching was that I could share my experience about voting procedures with my students and the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens and that I could also pass on a message to them of what Canadian citizenship means.
Being a citizenship judge is the greatest honour of my life. It is a continuation of my career path, but from a different perspective. I'm privileged to be able to participate in a process of approving applications by reviewing the files and making sure that the requirements of the Citizenship Act and regulations are met, administering the oath of citizenship, and stressing the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens while presiding over the citizenship ceremony.
I'm very happy that I can contribute to maintaining the integrity of the citizenship process. To me it is a particular pleasure to be able to promote Canadian citizenship to the entire community, which I have always enjoyed doing when I was a citizenship teacher. Community service is extremely important to me.
I've served on different volunteer boards and committees. To mention a few here: the Credit Valley Hospital's Chinese Community Advisory Committee, the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses, Carassauga-Mississauga's Festival of Cultures, and the Region of Peel's Cancer Prevention Forum.
These experiences have been very rewarding. I learn a lot and always share my experience with the other board members for the benefit of the community at large. With my excellent time management and decision making skills, I've been able to balance both work and volunteer commitments. I have also demonstrated creativity and flexibility in working with people of diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
My dedication to work and to the community shows that I'm committed to working as part of a team, and that is what I intend to do within the Citizenship Commission as a citizenship judge.
In Mississauga I'm recognized by the community as a dedicated volunteer and a prominent member of the community. Everyone I work with would have no hesitation to recommend me as an outstanding volunteer who can meet any new challenges that come across my path, make a difference in the community, and deliver results.
In short, I can say that I have a good understanding of the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness. I've a good knowledge of the Citizenship Act and the relevant regulations thereof. I'm also willing to learn more and fine-tune my skills on a continuing basis.
I possess extensive experience in interacting with people of diverse backgrounds, different socio-economic and cultural perspectives. As far as people encountering language barriers, I'm experienced in utilizing the services of cultural interpreters for the delivery of equitable services. I assure you, Mr. Chairman, that I will continue to serve the public by maintaining a high standard of cultural sensitivity and by recognizing, understanding, accepting, and respecting diversity in all its respects.
Finally, I would like to assure you that I will work in a professional, ethical, and timely manner. I will ensure that everyone who appears before me is given a fair hearing and will be judged with compassion.
I thank you for your time and attention. Merci beaucoup.