Roy Ratnavel has spent a lifetime defying expectations.
You might think that such a successful businessman would emphasize his own accomplishments. Instead, he talks only of gratitude to his father, to his family, and to his adopted homeland of Canada, which he chose long ago and continues to choose every day.
“Canada gave me a second chance at life. I owe this country everything,” Roy says. “Every immigrant has rights but also responsibilities: to obey the law, contribute to the economy, and build stronger communities.”
Roy’s best-selling memoir, Prisoner #1056, recounts his improbable journey from military dungeons to the highest heights of Bay Street. He was imprisoned and tortured as a teenager in his native Sri Lanka during that country’s civil war for the crime of being born Tamil. Recognizing the limited future for a Tamil boy during the ongoing Sri Lankan Civil War, Roy’s father told him to leave as soon as he got out of prison, thinking, “Canada might be the land of opportunity.”
“I landed here on April 19, 1988,” he says. “Eighteen years old, alone, with little money and big dreams, and I committed right away to make this country home.”
The early years in Canada were tough: trudging through deep snow to the bus stop, long factory shifts, and ever-present survivor’s guilt for having escaped the death and suffering that so many of his family and friends could not. Just days after arriving in Canada, Roy learned his father had been shot in an act of pointless sectarian violence.
Roy resolved to make the very most of his precious life and was grateful to be in Canada, where he could follow his father’s advice to not just survive, but live.
An act of heroic perseverance landed him a job in the mailroom at CI Asset Management. He retired as Vice Chairman. Yet despite his success, Roy is never triumphal. His memoir catalogues the many generous Canadians who helped him immensely along the way, people who admired and rewarded his hard work but also taught him that there’s more to life than money—that helping others is the greatest of joys. “Canada gave me freedom. It gave me an opportunity. Where I came from, you had neither.”
Today, he’s paying it forward through philanthropy and any other form of giving he can do. “There are three phases in life,” he says, “learn, earn, and return. I’m in the return phase now.”
Roy and his wife, Sue, just made a $1 million gift to the Scarborough Health Network, where he now sits on the board and leads efforts to improve mental health services for immigrant communities, particularly those affected by the trauma of war, which he knows all too well.
You don’t need millions to be generous. Even those in their learning and earning phases of life can still make a difference. “Give fifty dollars. Give time. Share your expertise. The joy you get from giving is worth so much more.”
He’s even taken on the challenge of helping other successful immigrants find their way to philanthropy. “It’s about showing others in your community that giving back is possible. When people see someone like them step up, they feel inspired to do the same.”
To those who think immigrants are a drain on Canada, Roy has a plain message: “Immigrants are here to build.” Again, it’s all about gratitude. “People born into freedom often don’t appreciate it. But those of us who choose freedom never take it for granted. I give to say thank you to this nation, which has given me everything,” he says.
Roy’s love of Canada is a calling that cannot be silenced. “Until the day I die, I will continue to contribute in any way I can to give back to a nation that opened the doors to people like me,” he says. “Canada gave me a life. I’ll spend the rest of it giving back.”
And to new immigrants just starting out on their journey, Roy has just one request: “Leave this place better than you found it.” It’s a simple maxim that says a lot about expectations —not the ones others have of us, but the ones we hold for ourselves.
Immigrants don’t just consume Canadian kindness, they also produce it in great quantities. Even those who may require support at first can become generous, devoted Canadians.
In this series, we’re highlighting the stories of Canadian immigrants who contribute to Canada with their philanthropy.
For this first installment, we sat down with Dr. Kabir Jivraj to reflect on his journey to Canada and his journey to philanthropy and what it means to choose Canada not just as a home but as a responsibility. Full disclosure: Dr. Jivraj and his wife, Munira, are generous donors to the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC).
A trained anaesthetist and critical care specialist, Dr. Jivraj, came to Edmonton from the UK in 1981 for a one-year visit with just a single suitcase and a squash racket. “I came for a North American experience,” he said, reflecting on the early days. “But the rest,” he smiled, “is history.”
“What kept me here was the way medicine was practiced,” he explained. “I felt like I was making a real difference, caring for the sick, the elderly, and the vulnerable. In Canada, I could live my values.”
That deeply rooted sense of purpose has shaped his life’s work. In 1998, Dr. Jivraj co-founded Age Care Ltd. to help address an acute shortage in elder care capacity. Dr. Munira Jivraj is a respected dentist and entrepreneur in her own right and has started and led dental practices in Calgary for over 30 years.
“If you’re not trying to make a difference in the world, don’t do the business,” Kabir says. “Be purpose-driven. Focus on doing the right thing. If you deliver quality and great outcomes, the success will follow.”
The Jivraj family has made giving a priority, including generous support to the ICC. They don’t just believe that immigrants bring value to this country – they prove it.
“When you choose Canada, you have a responsibility to contribute to it. Our children are proud to be Canadian. We are too.”
Dr. Kabir Jivraj
The Jivrajs are now among Canada’s most thoughtful philanthropists. Their giving focuses on health, education, and supporting vulnerable people – in Canada and globally.
It’s not about recognition. In fact, they shy away from naming opportunities. “With blessings come responsibility,” Kabir said. “And giving, quietly or publicly, brings joy. It gives us fulfillment.”
For those who question the value of immigration or who see immigrants as a burden rather than a benefit, Dr. Jivraj offers this gentle correction: “People who’ve gone through crisis come with a kind of resilience and work ethic you don’t get growing up with a silver spoon. They’re here with conviction. They want to build something better because they’ve chosen Canada.”
I walked away from this conversation feeling exactly how you hope to feel when you speak to someone like Dr. Jivraj: grateful, inspired, and reminded of the power of purpose. It’s not just about what you build. It’s about why you build it and who benefits along the way.
Thank you, Kabir, for choosing Canada and, through your support of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, showing us what giving back truly looks like.
Big Thanks to Our Donors!Your incredible support has propelled our Canoo program, bridging the gaps between newcomers and broader Canadian communities. With you as generous contributors, Canoo has enabled partners like the Toronto Zoo and the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary to provide transformative experiences for thousands of newcomers. Let’s celebrate and give a big thank you to these star partners —the Toronto Zoo and TELUS Spark.
Strengthening Newcomer Connections
Over the past years, the Toronto Zoo and TELUS Spark have played a pivotal role in welcoming newcomers, advancing our mission to combat isolation and facilitate smoother integration. In 2023 alone, the Toronto Zoo welcomed over 27,000 newcomer adults and 22,000 children.
Family Fun Front and Center
The significant attendance of newcomer families illustrates how meaningful these visits are. Experiencing these exciting places isn’t just enjoyable—it’s essential in helping families adjust to a new place. These partners grant Canoo access for kids to laugh, run, and play. Creating inviting environments makes space for families to bond and build memories. Transforming a new place into a home where each family member feels connected to Canada.
Cheers to Our Partners
A big round of applause for the Toronto Zoo and the TELUS Spark Science Centre! Not only are they committed to making a difference, but they’ve also earned some well-deserved accolades—2023 Canoo Partner of the Year for the Toronto Zoo and the 2023 Kids’ Choice Award for TELUS Spark Science Centre.
Let’s Keep This Going
We’re not stopping here! Your continued support is crucial as we aim to bring even more enriching experiences to newcomers. The success stories of the Toronto Zoo and TELUS Spark are just the beginning. By maintaining your support, you help ensure that every newcomer, especially children, can create memories and thrive in their new Canadian home.
Thanks for Being Our Champions! Your belief in our mission fuels our efforts.
We’re delighted to share exciting updates about the Canoo program, which have been made possible by your generous support. For the first time in Canoo’s 12-year history, we have transformed our 1-year membership for newcomers into a multi-year program. This evolution includes not only cultural experiences but also access to recreation, professional sports, concerts, educational opportunities, and travel. Our aim is to enhance newcomers’ experience by offering a broader range of activities and extending access through progressive discounts.
Canoo is Adapting to Newcomer Needs
Recognizing that many newcomers spend their first year settling into their new environment, we have extended the duration of the Canoo pass. This change ensures that once newcomers are ready, they have ample opportunities to enjoy and experience the best of Canada.
Canoo’s Making Milestones
Enhanced Membership Benefits
Beyond the initial year of free access to Canoo’s partner destinations, we now offer extended benefits with hefty discounts through a multi-year membership. This expansion supports the longer-term integration of newcomers, allowing them to explore and connect with Canadian society at their own pace and in more diverse settings.
Direct Support to Cultural Partners
Our commitment to Canada’s cultural sector remains strong. By introducing new audiences to our cultural partners, we help them achieve their strategic goals of gaining new patrons and increasing accessibility. This support is crucial for sustaining cultural landmarks that play a vital role in Canadian heritage and the integration of newcomers.
Recognition as Equity Partners
Organizations participating in our new multi-year membership model gain ESG (environmental, social, and governance) recognition as Canoo Newcomer Equity Partners. This affirms their role in fostering newcomers’ sense of belonging within Canadian society.
Partner Engagement and Impact
We are thrilled to announce that 120 partners have embraced the new multi-year model. Together, we are engaging over 400,000 permanent residents and new Canadian citizens, with a goal of welcoming 1,000,000 by 2026. Your support has been crucial in these efforts, ensuring that newcomers feel respected, valued, and truly at home
Your ongoing support fuels these transformative initiatives, making a lasting impact on the lives of newcomers. Thank you for your commitment and belief in our mission.
At the heart of every community are the people, and at the heart of every kind gesture, the same principle exists: People Matter. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is proud to profile Debi Brown, a long-time donor to ICC, whose work and generosity are guided by this powerful principle.
Debi Brown: Advocate for Inclusivity and Connection
As the CEO and Founder of Clarity Management Group and the author of It’s All in the Delivery, Debi Brown has dedicated her career to enhancing how individuals and organizations succeed by prioritizing human connections. Her philosophy perfectly mirrors the mission of ICC, making her not only a supporter, but a true embodiment of what we stand for.
“ICC is the brand that makes people feel welcome.” – Debi Brown
Debi emphasizes how essential it is to make newcomers feel at home as soon as they arrive. Her belief in the importance of making people feel valued and included has fueled her ongoing support for ICC.
Support Driven by Belief
Debi’s commitment to ICC is a testament to her belief in the power of community. When reflecting on her decision to continue her contributions, she shares, “Every year we reassess and consider where we want to redirect our support, but at the core, I believe in what ICC is doing. The idea of being a welcoming band for anyone new to Canada aligns with my deep-seated belief that people matter.”
Debi’s support is shaped by three key principles:
Paying it Forward: Fostering a culture of generosity and empathy where people help one another creates positive change in the lives of others. “We are blessed with what we do, and I love what I do. If we can pay it forward, that makes me happy,” Debi states.
Belief in the Mission: The ICC’s dedication to newcomers in Canada resonates deeply within the hearts of many. This commitment leads to a supportive environment where newcomers can find solace as they navigate their journey in a new country.
Legacy and Commitment: Her contributions also serve as a legacy for her children and grandchildren, ensuring their family’s values continue to impact future generations.
The Joy of Impact
A recent Enhanced Citizenship Ceremony captured Debi’s attention. She saw a photo of a little girl waving a Canadian flag at the event. “It just really made my day to see what the donation contributes to,” she remarks, highlighting the joy of seeing direct outcomes from her support in ICC events and programming.
Inspire Change with Us
Debi’s story is a vivid illustration of how individual commitment can create waves of change for newcomers to Canada. Her philosophy that people matter drives us all at ICC to push forward in our efforts to make Canada the most welcoming place for newcomers.
We are grateful to Debi for her profound impact and unwavering support.
