In the tapestry of Canadian politics and social advocacy, there exists a remarkable thread named Ratna Omidvar. A beacon of inspiration, she has relentlessly championed the causes of immigrants, diversity, and social inclusion. Her life’s journey, from Amritsar, India, to the hallowed halls of the Canadian Senate, is a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Early Life and Academic Career of Ratna Omidvar
Born in Amritsar, India, on November 5, 1949, Ratna Omidvar’s journey began in a city steeped in cultural and religious significance. Although her birthplace was Amritsar, a Sikh holy city, she herself does not follow the Sikh faith.
Her path took a significant turn when she met her Iranian husband while pursuing her education in Germany. In 1975, she embarked on a new chapter in Iran. However, life took an unexpected twist when the Iranian Revolution of 1981 forced her and her husband to flee their homeland.
Their journey of escape and hope led them to the welcoming shores of Canada. It was in this diverse and inclusive nation that Ratna Omidvar found her calling.
Dedication to the Cause: The Maytree Foundation
Ratna Omidvar’s dedication to combating poverty and promoting inclusion in Canada led her to the Maytree Foundation. She assumed the role of Executive Director, where she played a pivotal part in local, national, and international efforts to facilitate the integration of immigrants into Canadian society.
Her relentless efforts at Maytree became the cornerstone of her career, setting her on a path to becoming a transformative figure.
In 2014, she left her position at Maytree Foundation to establish the Global Diversity Exchange at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University. Here, she took on the role of a Distinguished Visiting Professor, further solidifying her status as an academic leader in the field of diversity and inclusion.
The Global Voice for Migration and Inclusion
Ratna Omidvar’s influence transcends the Canadian border. She serves as the co-chair of the Global Future Council on Migration, a prestigious position hosted by the World Economic Forum. Her dedication to global issues extends to her roles as a director at the Environics Institute and Samara Canada.
Furthermore, Omidvar has played a pivotal role as the Chair Emerita of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and the former chair of Lifeline Syria. Her work has had a tangible, positive impact on the lives of countless newcomers to Canada.
Author and Advocate
Omidvar’s commitment to her cause extends to her role as an author and advocate. She co-authored “Flight and Freedom: Stories of Escape to Canada” in 2015, a book that sheds light on the courageous journeys of those who sought refuge in Canada.
Her literary contributions have earned critical acclaim, with the book being named one of the Toronto Star’s top five good reads. She has also contributed to other works such as “The Harper Factor” and co-edited “Five Good Ideas: Practical Strategies for Non-Profit Success.”
Senate Career
March 18, 2016, marked a historic moment as Ratna Omidvar was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to represent Ontario. She joined the Independent Senators Group, where her voice became a significant force for progressive change.
In the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs hearing on Bill C-16 in 2016, Omidvar engaged in a memorable exchange with psychologist Jordan Peterson. This interaction garnered significant attention, as they discussed the bill’s provisions regarding the use of pronouns for individuals based on their identified gender.
In October 2018, Omidvar introduced a motion to strip Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary Canadian citizenship due to her government’s actions in the Rohingya conflict. The unanimous passage of this measure underscored Omidvar’s ability to effect change and champion justice.
Honours and Awards
Ratna Omidvar’s tireless advocacy work has earned her numerous accolades. In 2005, she was appointed to the Order of Ontario, recognizing her significant contributions to the province. In 2011, she became a Member of the Order of Canada, a testament to her devotion to reducing inequality and championing the rights of immigrants.
Her impact also reverberated beyond Canadian borders, as she received the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2014 for her contribution to German-Canadian relations.
In 2010, Canada’s national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, named her the Nation Builder of the Decade for Citizenship. She was also recognized as one of the Top 10 Diversity Champions worldwide by The Economist magazine in 2015. Her commitment to civic leadership and city building was celebrated with Lifetime Achievement Awards from CivicAction and the Canadian Urban Institute in 2016.
In 2018, Ratna Omidvar was among the recipients of the prestigious Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards presented by Canadian Immigrant Magazine. Her accolades continued in 2019 when she received the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award from Tufts University, cementing her status as a global leader in the realm of migration, diversity, and inclusion.
Expertise and Dedication
Ratna Omidvar’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to a cause. Her life’s work has touched the lives of countless individuals, and her impact continues to reverberate through the corridors of power, academic institutions, and the hearts of those who believe in the power of diversity and inclusion.
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