Mississauga’s automobile dealer Nasser Rad, and long-time developer Ignat Kaneff, have joined Harjit Sajian, federal minister of national defence, as those named to this year’s list of the Top 25 Canadian immigrants.

The awards went to artists, academics, entrepreneurs and champions of many worthy causes.

Presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine, a Metroland Media publication, and sponsored by RBC, the eight annual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants awards took place recently in Toronto.

“This year’s group of 25 winners is an inspiring and eclectic mix that showcases the diverse talent that immigrants bring to Canada,” said Canadian Immigrant editor Margaret Jetelina. “We at Canadian Immigrant magazine are very proud that, over the eight years of this awards program, we have now recognized 200 amazing immigrants as top 25s. And we have, honestly, just scratched the surface of immigrant talent in Canada.”

Mississauga’s Rad is the CEO and president of Autorama, a pre-owned car dealership in Toronto.

Rad migrated from Tehran, Iran, as a refugee in 1991. After coming to Canada, he started working at a few dealerships, but later launched his own dealership Autorama. He had one employee and minimum inventory.

Today, Autorama is one of the largest pre-owned car dealerships in Toronto.

Kaneff is a Bulgarian-born Canadian business magnate and philanthropist who is a dedicated supporter of Community Living Mississauga.

The Kaneff Group of Companies includes real estate development, and even golf courses, including Lionhead in Brampton. Its offices are located on the site of the golf course on Mississauga Road.

The RBC Top 25 award winners were recognized for having made a positive economic, social and cultural impact in Canada.

They also received a commemorative plaque and a $500 donation that goes towards a registered Canadian charity of their choice.

For a complete look at the winners, and more information, visit www.canadianimmigrant.ca

by Nouman Khalil
Mississauga News