Profiles of Citizenship Judges

June 2007

SIMARD, Michel C.
Senior Citizenship Judge

Judge Simard was appointed Senior Citizenship Judge in August 2003. Judge Simard was the Executive Director of the Healthpartners Fund where he fought for freedom of choice in workplace charitable fundraising. Prior to this he conducted public and government relations for the Canadian Nurses Association where he founded the CNA Media Awards. He was a board member of Club Richelieu Ottawa and presided over the celebration of the 50th anniversary of this institution. He was the French spokesperson of the organization “A Canada for all Canadians” during the national referendum on the Charlottetown Accord. He is known for his work in community groups such as Association des propriétaires des Acres du Plateau, le syndicat et l'association récréative des Jardins du Château, la ligue de hockey progression de l'Outaouais et l'Association du hockey mineur de Hull. Judge Simard was honoured with the commemorative medal of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada for his contribution to Canadian philanthropy. He has a Bachelor of Law degree from Laval University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Administration from l’École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP).

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(in alphabetical order)

AKHTAR, M. Saleem

Judge Akhtar was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, Ontario in November 2005. Previously, Judge Akhtar was the Program Coordinator/Language Assessor of Language Instruction for newcomers to Canada (within LINC), implementing women’s and co-ed language training. He was also a Community Outreach Worker, providing settlement and integration assistance, citizenship classes and cultural interpretation to new immigrants. He is actively involved in his community, notably for his work with the Cultural Interpreters Advisory Committee and with the Advisory Committee to Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton. He has served with the Hamilton Spectator Editorial Advisory Board and the Race Relations Committee of the Hamilton Board of Education.   Judge Akhtar has been honoured as a recipient of the Community Award. He received degrees in both Political Science and History and has also studied law, including Canadian immigration law.

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ALLAIRE, Normand A.

Judge Allaire was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Toronto, Ontario in November 2005. Judge Allaire served 21 years as the President and CEO of the Runnymede Healthcare Centre. Prior to this, he was the Vice President of the Scarborough General Hospital. He is actively involved in his community and recognized for his work as a Director and Vice Chairperson of the Toronto District Health Council, as a faculty member in the Department of Health Administration at the University of Toronto and as a member of numerous health related boards and Ontario Hospital Association committees. Previously, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Director for Misericordia Sisters Home for Single Mothers. He is also one of the healthcare system’s most successful strategic lobbyists. Judge Allaire received his Masters of Health Science Administration from the University of Toronto.

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ASSADOURIAN, Sarkis

Judge Assadourian was appointed a Citizenship Judge for Toronto, Ontario in July 2005. Judge Assadourian has served 3 terms as a Member of Parliament, the first and only MP of Armenian origin. Previously he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, Member of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development and Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He is the former Executive Director of the Armenian Community Centre in North York and in 1985 established the Outstanding Canadian Award, given annually by the Armenian Community Centre. In 1988 he received the Voluntary Service Award from the Government of Ontario and in 1992 received the Outstanding Father Award from St. Mary's Armenian Church.

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BITAR, Sonia

Judge Bitar was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Edmonton, Alberta in October 2005. Previously she spent 11 years as the Executive Director of Changing Together, a Centre for Immigrant Women. She is actively involved in her community serving as Vice Chair for the Alberta Women’s Network, Greater Edmonton Foundation, and the National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada. She served as a member with the Court Challenges Program and with the Canadian Council for Refugees as an active member for gender issues such as women at risk, trafficking of women, settlement and refugee issues, and racism. She also served on several special committees including the Vision of Edmonton and the Future Summit of Alberta. Judge Bitar has been honoured as a recipient of the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case and the Alberta Centennial medal for Advocacy and Multiculturalism.

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BRUM BOZZI, Renata

Judge Brum Bozzi was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, Ontario, in November 2006. She was the former Executive Director for the Catholic Civil Rights League, where she applied her professional management skills in revitalizing and reshaping the organization. Judge Brum Bozzi was also a Senior Associate with the High Park Group providing research, media analysis services and strategic advice.   She has spent a number of years contributing time to community initiatives. Judge Brum Bozzi actively participates in the Host Parent Program for international students, where she provides accommodation and community orientation that familiarizes foreign students with the social and educational services provided by the government and the community, and showcases overall opportunities to newcomers. She was also involved with the Mississauga Ballet Association, where she provided logistical assistance for large scale dance productions.   Judge Brum Bozzi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, and with a Master of Arts from the Toronto School of Theology.

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BROWN, Brenda M.

Judge Brown was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Vancouver, British Columbia in August 2005. Previously, she was a member of the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal for 6 consecutive years. In the course of a diverse career, she has also held positions in real estate, western relocation programs, and recruitment. Judge Brown has also been professionally active in events management and the fundraising sector. She is actively involved in her community, serving as past Chair and Vice Chair of UNICEF BC and as a member of the Governance and Nominating committee of the UBC Alumni Association and a former member of the UBC Alumni Dinner Committee. She served as a Director for the Canada Harbour Place Corporation and the Canada National Committee for the United Nations Conference - Habitat. Judge Brown received a B.A. in Social Work and a diploma in Urban Land Economics from the University of B.C.

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CARICEVIC-RAKOVICH, Gordana

Judge Caricevic-Rakovich, formerly a Citizenship Judge from December 1992 to August 1999, was re-appointed for Montreal, Quebec, in September 2006. Judge Caricevic-Rakovich has worked for the federal and provincial governments for a number of years, occupying a variety of positions in various capacities.  She is a member of “l’Association des Archivistes du Québec.”  Judge Caricevic-Rakovich is a well recognized figure in her community, having volunteered her time to organizations such as the Stanislas College, the Reddy Memorial Hospital, and has participated in a variety of fundraising initiatives for social and humanitarian causes. She has received the Deputy Minister Award for outstanding work and exceptional service, and two Merit Certificates in recognition of her contributions to the 1993 and 1994 Canada Day celebrations. Judge Caricevic-Rakovich has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s in History from the Université de Montréal.

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COBURN, Brian

Judge Coburn was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Ottawa, Ontario in October 2006. Judge Coburn is a former member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, from 1999 to 2003, where he served in various posts, including Parliamentary Assistant of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, Associate Minister for Rural Economic Development, and Minister of Tourism and Recreation. Starting with his own construction business earlier in life, he went on to serve ten years as the Mayor of Cumberland, from 1989 to 1999. He is a former member of the Board of Governors for Algonquin College (Ottawa) and the executive of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, former Co-Chair of the Ottawa River Committee, and past director with the Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. Judge Coburn also served as an Adjudicator on the Ontario Assessment Review Board, and continues to actively promote and support various initiatives in his own community. Judge Cobourn was educated at Brock University in St. Catharines.

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DAY, William Lindemere

Judge Day was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for British Columbia and the Yukon in April 1999. He spent the last 14 years of his 40 year career in adult education as the President of Douglas College in New Westminster B.C. He was the Colombo Plan Technical Advisor in Adult Education in India and the Director of Adult Education in two B.C. school districts. He has been Chair or President of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges, the B.C. Council of College and Institute Principals, and the Pacific Association for Continuing Education. Judge Day was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1998. He received the Distinguished Service Recognition Award from the Association of Community Colleges of Canada and the Outstanding Service Award from the Advanced Education Council of B.C. Judge Day holds an M.Ed in Educational Psychology.

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GAYNOR, Philip M.

Judge Gaynor was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Scarborough, Ontario in September 2006. Throughout his career, he worked in various managerial positions at the T. Eaton Company in addition to Gordon Brothers as a Liquidations Consultant. From 2000-2003, he was employed at Premier Brand Foods. Judge Gaynor is a distinguished member of his community, where he has provided many years of dedicated volunteer service. For over eighteen years, he dedicated himself to supporting the efforts of the Toronto Metropolitan Police Auxiliary, where he reached the level of Sergeant, conducting foot and car patrols, and other initiatives that promoted safety within the community. Judge Gaynor was also an active member of the fundraising committee for the Abilities Centre Durham, which demonstrated his fondness for the facility’s performing arts and multi-purpose athletic centre, having a special emphasis on programming for people of all ages and varied abilities.

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GILL, Raminder

Judge Gill was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Toronto, Ontario, in November 2006. Previously, he was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1999 to 2003. During his terms in office, he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities, the Minister of Labour, and to the Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. As an active member in his community, Judge Gill hosted several town hall meetings on crime prevention and public safety, founded the Malton Cougars Soccer Club, has been a fundraiser for a variety of worthy causes, including the Credit Valley Hospital, the United Way and the Hospital for Sick Children. An Engineer by profession, Judge Gill invented a number of environmentally friendly products. He has been a director of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Canada, and is an existing member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario. Judge Gill received a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Toronto.

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KOULOURAS, John K.S.

Judge Koulouras was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Scarborough, Ontario, in September 2006. Judge Koulouras has had many clergy memberships and directorships, in addition to extensive experience as a Teaching Master at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in North York. In addition, he has several years of experience as a quasi-judicial adjudicator, having served as a board member for the Health Profession Appeal and Review Board, and the Immigration and Refugee Board. He is currently a Senior Parish Priest at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in North York, Ontario. He is well known as a dedicated professional, and is eminently recognized for his dedication to a multitude of community initiatives, such as the Children’s Christmas Drive, Charity Drives for St. John the Compassionate Mission for the Homeless in Toronto, and the Out of the Cold Program. Judge Koularas received an M.A. in History from the University of Toronto.

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LEE, Raymond

Judge Lee was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Calgary, Alberta in December 2006. Throughout his career, Judge Lee has experienced a variety of occupations, including an economist with the Imperial Oil Company, Vice-President of MAC’s Convenient Foods Ltd., and consultant to various energy companies and government agencies. He has committed a large quantity of his personal time to fulfilling different roles in supporting community initiatives. Judge Lee is currently serving his second three-year term as a Senator on the University of Calgary Senate, and is the Founder and existing Honourary Director Emeritus of the Sien Lok Society of Calgary. He was formerly appointed by the Premier of Alberta to the Alberta Centennial Strategy Committee, and named as Ambassador for the Centennial Year during 1996-1997. He has also served on a number of other committees and contributed to the success of various associations. Judge Lee received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah.

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MIKI, Arthur K.

Judge Miki was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Winnipeg, Manitoba in February 1998. He is currently an advisor to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Previously he was the Executive Director for the Organization for Cooperation in Overseas Development. He was also Principal for the Joseph Teres School, Regent Park Elementary School, and the Harold Hatcher Elementary School as well as Vice-Principal of the Wayota School. He has committed himself to his community as Vice-Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, President of National Association of Japanese Canadians, Director of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council, and Director of the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. He is known for his commitment to the National Visible Minority Council on Labour Force Development and the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba. Judge Miki has been honoured as a recipient of the Order of Canada and the Exceptional Contribution Award by the Manitoba Federal Council. He has an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the University of Winnipeg.

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MOHAN, Kris

Judge Mohan was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, Ontario, in November 2005. He is a registered professional engineer with 27 years of service in the nuclear energy industry working in various technical and commercial capacities. He exemplifies the values of community sharing and helping through his support of the People’s Trust Charity based in India through the Christian Children’s Fund. He has also been involved in helping new immigrants settle in Canada for the past decade and has been teaching English through “The Learning Centre” of Hamilton Public Library. Judge Mohan has also supported the Child Haven Charity, which helps orphans in developing countries. He has also organized technical conferences regarding global warming and contributed to Canada’s strategies to meet its Kyoto Protocol obligations. He has been active in several technical organizations and holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and a Masters of Business Administration from McGill University.

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MORROW, Robert M.

Judge Morrow was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Hamilton, Ontario in May 2004. Prior to this position he served as Hamilton City Mayor from 1982 to 2000 and as an Alderman, Controller and Deputy-Mayor between 1970 and 1980. As a professional musician, he is an organist and has played and conducted choirs at several Hamilton churches. He has given recitals in Canada, U.S.A., Austria, Italy and Great Britain. Known as a supporter of multi-culturalism in our diverse society, he established one of the country’s first race relations and anti-discrimination committees. Judge Morrow has received awards, such as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and honours from a wide variety of organizations and public bodies, including two senior knighthoods – one from the President of Poland and the other from the President of Italy. He holds a B.A. in history and political science along with an Associateship from the Royal Toronto Conservatory of Music in Piano.

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NORTHCOTE, Ann L.

Judge Northcote was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Etobicoke, Ontario in May 2000. Judge Northcote served several years with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) as both President of Canada and World President. Through the YWCA she worked with people in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe Asia, India and Bangladesh. She advocated human rights issues and the empowerment of women in developing countries.   Actively involved in her community, she is known for her work as Chairperson of the Long Term Care Committee and the Etobicoke/York Service Centre of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). She also served with the Board of Directors of the Family Service Association of Metro Toronto and with the CNIB. Judge Northcote has been awarded the Order of Canada and is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (Silver and Gold) and the Canada 2000 Medal. Judge Northcote received her B.A from the University of Manitoba.

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PHENIX, Patricia E.

Judge Phenix was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Toronto, Ontario, in October 2006. For several years, Judge Phenix worked in the field of immigration. She began as a law clerk for the immigration law firm Catherine Kerr and Associates, and reached the level of Director of Operations for the Organization of Professional Immigration Consultants (OPIC), where she interacted extensively with Toronto’s diverse ethnic community. Judge Phenix spent several years as a television producer for networks such as Global TV and CTV. As an accomplished writer, three of her books have been published, including a national best seller entitled Olga Ramanov: Russia’s Last Grand Duchess. The other two books were Eatonians: The Story of the Family Behind the Family, and Private Demons: The Tragic Personal Life of John A. MacDonald.   Judge Phenix received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from York University, and a Masters Degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto.

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POTTS, Agnes U.

Judge Potts was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Toronto, Ontario, in December 2002. Judge Potts presently serves on the Board of Governors of the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame, where she previously served as Executive Director. She is also the Co-Founder and Partner of Canadian First Partners. A former Etobicoke City Councillor, her diverse background includes work as a Real Estate Agent, Fashion Partner, Business Owner and Teacher. She was Vice Chair of the Etobicoke Red Shield Campaign, a trustee for the Metropolitan Separate School Board and Director of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association. Judge Potts is actively involved in her community, recognized for her work with the Etobicoke Crime Prevention Committee, Community/Police Liaison Committees for Metro Police, the Library Board and many other organizations. Judge Potts is a recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation and the Queen's Jubilee Medal in December 2002.

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PUREWAL, Shinder Pal Singh

Judge Purewal was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Vancouver, British Columbia in August 2005. He is a Professor of Political Science at the University of  Kwantlen University College. His academic background includes roles as Adjuct Professor/Lecturer with Simon Fraser University, Lecturer for the Department of political science at the University of British Columbia, and Instructor of Political Science at Queen’s University. He has also been a research associate at the Simon Fraser University Institute of Governance Studies and at the Centre for Indian and South Asian Research at the University of British Columbia. Involved in his community, he previously served with the Progressive Inter-Cultural Services Society of Vancouver and Surrey, and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. He was also a member of the editorial board of the Punjab Journal of Politics. Judge Purewal holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Queen’s University.

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RADYO, Vera

Judge Radyo was appointed a Citizenship Judge for Vancouver, British Columbia in October 2004.  She was the Executive Director of MOSAIC and the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of B.C. She also worked for the United Way of the Lower Mainland and for the provincial government in multiculturalism policy and programs. She is an active member in her community, notably for her work with Success By 6, Volunteer BC, the B.C. Task Force on Family Violence, Canadian Crossroads International, The Canadian Council for Refugees and many others. Judge Radyo has been a consultant, working with a number of immigrant service agencies. She is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her many years of community service. Judge Radyo holds a M.A. in community development from the University of Alberta.

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ROBERTI, Roberto

Judge Roberti was appointed a Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, Ontario in February 1999. Judge Roberti is currently involved with numerous schools presiding over citizenship ceremonies and promotes the values and understanding of citizenship. He has formed a partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Adult Board of Education in a special outreach project enabling 5000 immigrants per year to become Canadian citizens. He additionally works with the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon to promote citizenship. Prior to this, he provided citizenship and immigration counselling. A Citizenship Judge in the Toronto Court from 1981 - 1987, he conducted outreach work with Italian, Chinese, Greek, Portuguese and Hispanic communities. Actively involved in his community, Judge Roberti was a member of the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association, Italo Canadian Club, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce. He speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.

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SEAL, Barbara

Judge Seal was appointed a Citizenship Judge for Montreal, Quebec in October 1997. She was a City Councillor for the Town of Hampstead. Prior to this position, she was the President of Hampstead Municipal Recreational Association. Judge Seal is a former Member of the Conseil des Arts de la Communauté urbaine de Montréal and of the Board of Directors of Place des Arts. Her charitable and community efforts have earned her many awards including the Golda Meir Woman of the Year Award, the Canadian Cancer Society Merit Award, the Canada 125th Anniversary Medal, as well as special recognition for being one of the 125 outstanding Canadian volunteers. In 2002, she was honoured by Tel Aviv University and received the prestigious President’s Medal. Judge Seal is a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and was awarded the Medal of Excellence from the Quebec Cultural Communities. Judge Seal is a Member of the Order of Canada.

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SPRINGATE, George

Judge Springate, formerly a Citizenship Judge from December 1999 to March 2005, was re-appointed for Montreal, Quebec, in November 2006. Earlier in his career, Judge Springate joined the Montreal Police Department where he became a spokesperson for the department, and was seen daily on CFCF-TV for eight years. After his career as a police officer, Judge Springate became a member of the Quebec National Assembly, where he served three terms in office. While fulfilling his electoral responsibilities, he became a founding member of the Police Technology Department at John Abbott College, where he is a tenured professor in civil and criminal law. Also, he was a team member of the Montreal Alouettes, and played on the 1970 Grey Cup winning team. Judge Springate is a member of the Order of Canada, and has a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Bachelor of Laws from McGill University. He was subsequently awarded a Doctor of Laws.

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WILKING, Sandra

Judge Wilking was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Vancouver, British Columbia in February 2003. She is currently the Director of Imagine Canada, a national not for profit organization. Previously, she was a consultant for non-English patient care for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Senior Advisor, Program Development for Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. In the political arena, Judge Wilking pioneered her way to become the first Chinese Canadian female elected to public office in BC, the second in Canada. She served as Director for the Laurier Institution and 9 years with SUCCESS-United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society. She is known for her work with Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation and the United Way of the Lower Mainland. She received an Outstanding Alumni (Community Services) award from Simon Fraser University and is a member of the Vancouver Round Table. Judge Wilking received an honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Simon Fraser University.

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YUNG-FUNG, Mina  

Judge Yung-Fung was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Mississauga, Ontario, in November 2006. Judge Yung-Fung is a long-time volunteer in the Community of Mississauga, having given her talents and time to serve as a Director of Mississauga’s Festival of Cultures, a committee member of the Cancer Prevention Forum, a Steering Committee member and Director of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses, and a Director of the Chinese Community Advisory Committee of Credit Valley Hospital. She has received many awards for her work as a volunteer, including the Toronto Canada Committee Award, the City of Mississauga Volunteer Award, and the Citizenship and Immigration Canada International Year of Volunteer Award. Judge Yung-Fung possesses a TESL Ontario Certificate and has been an International Language Instructor for the Peel Board of Education, and an ESL and Citizenship teacher for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Judge Yung-Fung graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Management Studies.