December 20, 2013

Three Citizenship Judges Appointed Today

Posted by admin - Bellissimo Law Group PC

Today the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced the appointment of three Citizenship Judges, two new and one returning. Minister Chris Alexander announced that Jeannot Volpé for Fredericton New Brunswick, Anna Janega for Halifax Nova Scotia, and A. Dane Minor for Surrey British Columbia will become Canada’s newest Citizenship Judges.

The responsibilities of a citizenship judge are to make decisions on new citizenship applications; to preside over citizenship ceremonies and to administer the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

Jeannot Volpé brings to the position many years of experience as a member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. He has held cabinet posts and acted as the Leader of the Official Opposition in the New Brunswick provincial government.  He has also served for many years on the boards of directors for several prominent New Brunswick agricultural organizations.

Anna Janega is a leader in the business community. She is the provincial Vice President  of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters and has played a key role in Canada-European Union trade negotiations. Anna Janega serves as a member of the provincial Roundtable on the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity. She is both a former RCMP constable, and a former director of public affairs for Dalhousie University.

A Dane Minor is returning to the position. Prior to first becoming a citizenship judge in 2011, he was active working for community based organizations that advocate on behalf of victims of violent crime.  He is the co-founder of an organization called Crime, Responsibility and Youth. His organization is aimed at providing counseling and support to victims, as well as working to prevent youth and gang related crime in British Columbia.  He has served as Vice Chair of the Victims Advisory Council to the Parole Board of Canada and the Correctional Service of Canada.

Citizenship judges are appointed at the recommendation of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration after going through extensive screening. A written exam and interview are conducted to assess the candidate’s aptitude for critical decision making, judgement, cultural sensitivity, leadership, and effective communication.

Earlier this fall the Minister also appointed Trang Annie Nguyen to the position of Citizenship Judge in British Columbia in recognition of her years of strong volunteer involvement serving the Vietnamese-Canadian community.