Two Saint John-area newcomers are recipients of a prestigious national immigrant award.
Former Saint John Newcomer Centre managing director Mohamed Bagha and comedian James Mullinger are among the 2026 Top 25 Canadian Immigrants.
Presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine, the award recognizes immigrants across Canada who have made a positive impact in their communities since arriving in the country, including advocates, volunteers and entrepreneurs.
Bagha and Mullinger were the only New Brunswick nominees on this year’s list. They were among 75 finalists shortlisted for the 18th edition of the awards.
Mullinger said he was surprised to learn he had made the list, adding that winning the award is a career milestone.
“It feels like a real full circle moment after 12 years of living here,” he said. “It definitely feels very special, and I really couldn’t be prouder.”
Originally from the U.K., Mullinger moved to New Brunswick in 2014 in search of a better life for his family.
He is best known in the region for his comedy career and media appearances, including CBC’s The Debaters and the documentary film City on Fire.
During his time in Canada, Mullinger has promoted the country and raised more than $200,000 for charities and non-profits.
In an interview with Acadia Broadcasting in early May, Mullinger said his motivation to give back stems from the warm welcome he received and the opportunities New Brunswick and Canada have provided him.
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He said the recognition is the “icing on the cake” among the many highlights he has experienced since moving to Canada.
Mullinger said he is also proud that both he and Bagha received the honour, noting that New Brunswick, as a smaller province, can often be overlooked.
“I was so honoured to be on the shortlist with Mohamed, an icon not just of this community, but of the province,” he said.
According to the magazine’s website, the Top 25 winners were selected through a combination of judges’ scores and public voting. The judging panel includes past winners and leaders working in immigrant and ethnocultural communities.
Judges’ scores and public votes each account for 50 per cent of a nominee’s final score.
National recognition underscores N.B.’s welcoming community and growth opportunities
Mullinger said the award is also a testament to New Brunswick becoming a “shining light,” where people support and celebrate one another.
“Part of the reason I’m able to tour the country, and do big shows from coast to coast, is because of the support of New Brunswickers,” Mullinger said. “Any success that I have elsewhere is down to the kindness of New Brunswickers.”
Like Mullinger, Bagha believes the award highlights New Brunswick’s efforts to welcome newcomers and foster integration.
More importantly, he said, it demonstrates the opportunities available in the province, he said.
“There is lots of room for growth in this province, and there are hardly any hurdles,” he said. “If you work hard, you make those connections in the community, you really can create those opportunities for growth.”
Originally from Kenya, Bagha spent most of his professional career as managing director of the Saint John Newcomer Centre. He holds a master of interdisciplinary studies degree from the University of New Brunswick, with a focus on economic development and planning.
He has received several awards for his contributions to the Saint John region, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. He has also been recognized as Changemaker of the Year and Most Inspiring Immigrant in the Maritimes.
Now the growth manager for the City of Saint John, Bagha said he was shocked and humbled to learn he had won the award.
Bagha added that he was proud to see Mullinger’s name on the list alongside his own.
An awards ceremony will be held at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto on Wednesday.
Both Bagha and Mullinger said the award inspires them to continue contributing to the province and country.
