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2006-12

Citizenship Judge Appointments

OTTAWA, September 15, 2006 – The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced the appointment of five citizenship judges.

Gordana Cericcevic-Rakovich is a well recognized and respected member of her community in Outremont, Quebec. A former Chairperson of the Board of Referees of Employment Insurance, Ms. Cericcevic-Rakovich has also been recognized for her remarkable contribution and her innovation in client services during her previous tenure as a Citizenship Judge from 1992-1999. She was appointed a citizenship judge in Montréal, Quebec.

Brian Coburn is an esteemed business leader as well as an active and generous member of his community. A former member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, he served as Minister of Tourism and Recreation, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. From 1989-1999, he served as Mayor to the City of Cumberland. Currently Mr. Coburn is a Member of the Assessment Review Board of Ontario. He was appointed a citizenship judge in Ottawa, Ontario.

Philip Gaynor is a distinguished member of his community in Whitby, Ontario. He has worked in various managerial positions at the T. Eaton Company as well as with Gordon Brothers as a Liquidation Consultant. From 200-2003 Mr. Gaynor was employed at Premier Brand Foods. He was appointed a citizenship judge in Scarborough, Ontario.

Patricia Phenix is a published author. A former Managing Editor for the Pavlovsk Press, she also has experience as Director of Operations for the Organization of Professional Immigration Consultants as well as serving as Manager of National Publications at Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Most recently Ms. Phenix held the position of Director of Communications at A. Phenix and Sons Ltd. She was appointed a citizenship judge in Toronto, Ontario.

John Koulouras is a devout professional and well known for his community service initiatives. With an M.A. in History from the University of Toronto, he has had extensive experience as a Teaching Master at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in North York. Mr. Koulouras has served as a member of the Health Professional Appeal and Review Board as well as the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. He was appointed a citizenship judge in Scarborough, Ontario.

Citizenship judges are appointed by order-in-council and are responsible for making decisions with regard to applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.

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