On June 11, MOSAIC hosted a heartfelt ceremony at its Highgate location in Burnaby to honour Peter Julian, former Member of Parliament for New Westminster–Burnaby, with an appreciation award for his steadfast commitment to building an inclusive and thriving community.
The event brought together Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby–Edmonds and Speaker of the BC Legislative Assembly, Doris Mah, longtime Chief of Staff to MP Peter Julian, and a room full of MOSAIC staff, including members of the leadership team, to celebrate former MP Julian’s decades of advocacy for immigrants, workers, and underserved communities.
Opening the ceremony, MOSAIC CEO Olga Stachova thanked Julian for being “an advocate for those without a voice,” highlighting his efforts in advancing dental care, workers’ rights, housing, and economic stability. “Your work ensures these are not privileges, but rights for everyone,” she said.
MLA Raj Chouhan reflected on his longstanding friendship and partnership with Julian in his speech. “Peter is a remarkable representative who brings people together and addresses community issues with a rare level of dedication and compassion,” he shared memories of their joint efforts, calling Julian “the embodiment of effective representation.”
As the ceremony unfolded, MOSAIC staff members spontaneously shared personal stories and memories of Julian’s impact—many of them heartfelt and moving. One staff member thanked him for supporting MOSAIC’s Multicultural Seniors Day over the years; another spoke of Julian’s kindness and empathy when they were a newcomer sharing their struggles. Others expressed deep appreciation for his humility, approachability, and unwavering presence at community events.
Throughout his time in office, Julian has been a steadfast champion for newcomers and working families. His efforts helped expand access to dental care, pharmacare, and affordable childcare—lifting financial barriers for countless Canadians. He also played a key role in strengthening the National Housing Strategy and consistently stood up for worker protections. His advocacy contributed to advancements like the Canada Worker Benefit and improved rights for gig and childcare workers.
Beyond legislative achievements, Julian’s connection to the community has been extraordinary: from attending cultural festivals in Burnaby to working directly with newcomers navigating complex settlement journeys. His collaborative approach—both in Parliament and on the ground—has helped translate policy into real, lasting impact for the people he served.
Moved by the recognition, Julian expressed deep gratitude to MOSAIC and the community. “You make our community so much better,” he said. “MOSAIC shows unparalleled leadership in uniting cultures and helping newcomers settle into Canada. I am honoured to have worked alongside you in building this vibrant community.”
The ceremony closed with a surprise gift and a joyful selfie taken by Julian—capturing not just a moment, but the enduring spirit of connection and shared purpose. It was a fitting tribute to a leader whose legacy continues to shape a more inclusive and welcoming Canada.
