Celebrating the story of Canada by sharing the journeys of immigrants including notable food entrepreneurs, a TikTok star, an artistic director, community leaders, innovative scientists and more
TORONTO, August 05, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–With nation-building and Canadian pride on people’s minds across the country, we can’t forget that the story of Canada includes the individual stories of immigrants who have helped build this nation. For the 17th year, Canadian Immigrant, with the support of presenting sponsor Western Union, is recognizing and celebrating these nation builders with the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2025.
The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, also supported by COSTI and Edward Jones, is the first and only national awards program celebrating immigrant success stories from coast to coast, serving as role models for other newcomers choosing Canada as their new home.
This year’s Top 25 will join an inspirational list of past recipients who are community, culture, scientific and business leaders. This year’s list includes a founder of one of Canada’s most celebrated breakfast cereal companies, the founder of a popular Mediterranean fast casual chain, a TikTok influencer, a dancer and artistic director, a billionaire investor, scientific and STEM innovators, as well as community champions working tirelessly to uplift others.
“We are so proud to announce the recipients in the 17th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, in partnership with Western Union,” said Sanjay Agnihotri, Publisher of Canadian Immigrant. “Sharing their stories is sharing the story of Canada — a nation built by brave individuals who leave everything they know behind to start fresh in a new land — and make it better as a result of their hard work and determination. We, at Canadian Immigrant magazine, are honoured to be a platform to celebrate their efforts and impact. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.”
“Throughout our 175-year long history, one thing has never changed: connecting people with their families and loved ones wherever they may be, */and enabling them to build better lives. This mission is particularly resonant here in Canada, where the diversity of our communities is one of our key strengths,” said Carl Pierce, Head of Canada for Western Union. “We are proud then to sponsor these prestigious awards, pay tribute to the contributions made by those that call our country their new home and support them as they seek to fulfil their aspirations.”
Among the Top 25, we have again selected one winner as our Youth Award recipient, and one as our Entrepreneur Award winner. Ukrainian-born Andrian Makhnachov, 22, a social media start documenting his life as a newcomer, is the Youth Award recipient. Sam Osmow, founder of Osmow’s restaurant chain, is this year’s Entrepreneur Award recipient, presented by COSTI.
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