P.E.I. finalists need your vote for Canadian immigrant awards

If you'veattended a Diversity event or the Newcomers' Christmas Open House you've enjoyed a couple of ways the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada contributes to the Island's culture.

Now, along with dozens of other agencies that work with newcomers, PEIANCis a finalist for anRBCImmigrant Award.

It's the first year an awardis being given to a settlement agency.

"This is an important recognition of the work of our staff, volunteers, and partners as we welcome more and more newcomers to our Island,"said executive director CraigMackie."It is also recognition of the positive, personalized service we deliver to new refugees and immigrants."

One of those immigrants has made the top 75 in the annual RBCTop 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

Ali Siadatis from Iran and moved to Canada in 2011. His CV is impressive from his days in Iran, including organizing tours for international visitors to the countryand workingfor the Iran Broadcasting Organization.

Since his move to P.E.I.,Siadatbecame an entrepreneurbyestablishingthe first Persian cuisine booth at the Charlottetown Farmer's Market.He's also a Newcomer Ambassador for the City of Charlottetown and volunteers with PEIANC.

The top 25 RBCawardsrecognizeinspirational immigrants who have made a positive impact on their communities since arriving in Canada.

The RBCImmigrant Awards are decided by online voting, so Mackie is hoping for a strong turnout from Islanders.

"We will be taking a page from Hockeyville and working to get the vote out because as we look at the other nominees, we are up against some stiff competition," Mackie said.

The winners will be recognized with a commemorative certificateat the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants ceremony and RBC will donate $500 to a charity on behalf of each winner.Voting ends May 17.

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