The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (British Columbia) Society (FACL BC) expresses its warmest congratulations to Justice Negar Azmudeh on her appointment to the Federal Court. 

Justice Azmudeh immigrated to Canada from Iran when she was 18 and was called to the British Columbia bar in December 1999. For the past 24 years, Justice Azmudeh has focused on immigration and refugee law, and has dedicated her legal career to Canada’s refugee determination system. Most recently, she founded the Quality Centre at the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) and led initiatives to increase the efficiency, quality and consistency of decision-making.

Since the implementation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act in 1971, Canada has strived to be a respectful, prosperous, and compassionate country. We must recognise that building an inclusive country that values multiculturalism is a work in progress. Our society continuously relies on the tremendous contributions of people of all backgrounds who call it home, including immigrants and refugees. FACL BC is heartened to see Justice Azmudeh appointed to the Federal Court. Justice Azmudeh brings a wealth of perspective and a deep understanding of the issues faced by immigrants aand refugees to the bench. A diverse bench that reflects Canada’s diverse communities and their lived experiences increases public trust and confidence in the judiciary, brings a diverse perspective that enriches the bench, and ultimately improves the administration of justice.