Canada-based Aris Babikian reappointed as citizenship judge

PanARMENIAN.Net - Hon. Jason Kenney, Canada’s Minister Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, announced the reappointment of citizenship judge Aris Babikian for a second three-year term.

In its press release the Ministry stated: “Gerald W. Pash has been appointed as citizenship judge in British Columbia, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. Two other citizenship judges, Aris Babikian and Floyd Babcock, have been reappointed in Ontario.

“Appointed Citizenship Judge for Mississauga in June 2009, Aris Babikian acted for over 18 years as citizenship and immigration advisor to the Social Services Office of the Armenian Community Centre in Toronto. He has also served as President of the Armenian National Federation of Canada, Secretary of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council (CEC), and Agent General for the National Ethnic Media and Press Council of Canada. As a journalist and author, Judge Babikian has appeared on numerous television and radio talk shows, and his articles have been published in numerous Canadian and international publications. He has received many awards and accolades for his voluntarism, among which are the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (25 years of service), The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Canada’s 125th Confederation Commemorative Medal, and the National Ethnic Press and Media Council (Human Rights/Social Justice Award).

"Citizenship judges are appointed for a three-year period and are responsible for making decisions with regard to citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens."

Judge Babikian expressed his gratitude for his reappointment and said it is an honor to serve as a citizenship judge. “It is also a privilege to serve the people and government of Canada in any capacity. I am grateful to the Government of Canada and to Minister Kenney for their trust and confidence in me and in my contribution to the principles, mission, and values of Canadian citizenry,” he said.