VANCOUVER
Senator Andrew Cardozo from Ontario and of Goan origin interacted with the executive committee of the Goan Association (GOA) Vancouver at Country Meadows Golf Course & Restaurant on September 2.
The GOA Vancouver executive committee members present during the interaction were Anne Da Silva (President), Ashney Rebello (Social & Cultural Director), Vilu Nova Carvalho (Advisor), Winona Rebello (Outreach & Charities Ambassador) and Michelle Golhan (Public Relations).
Cardozo had been on an official visit to British Columbia and had reached out to the GOA Vancouver executive committee.
During his interaction, Cardozo spoke about his experiences with Goan traditions and culture. He enquired about the activities being conducted by the GOA Vancouver and commended the executive committee for keeping the Goan community united in Vancouver.
He advised the GOA Vancouver executive committee to continue keeping Goan culture alive, especially among the younger generation in Vancouver.
GOA Vancouver President Anne Da Silva said they valued the opportunity to hear about Cardozo’s experiences as a senator and especially enjoyed sharing their Goan heritage and culture.
“His insights were both enlightening and inspiring. We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and connection,” said Da Silva.
Andrew Cardozo, the first Goan to be appointed to the Senate of Canada on the advice of then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is a recognised expert on public policy, a columnist, and an artist. A think-tank leader, his public policy areas of expertise span Canadian government and politics, multiculturalism, anti-racism, diversity and equity, broadcasting and cultural policy, and skills development, especially the future of work.
Cardozo was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians.
Senator Andrew Cardozo along with GOA Vancouver Social & Cultural Director Ashney Rebello (left) and GOA Vancouver President Anne Da Silva (right).
This process ensures senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
THE BACKGROUND
Cardozo has been the recipient of several awards, including the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from York University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University. He is an ex-student of St Patrick’s High School and College, Karachi.
Andrew, who was born in Karachi, is the son of Leonard (Len) and Melba Cardozo. Len was a senior executive with ICI Pakistan, where he worked for 25 years, before moving to Canada.
Cardozo has been the President of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy since 2013. Previously, he was Executive Director of the Alliance of Sector Councils and the founding President of the Pearson-Shoyama Institute.
He has been a columnist for the Toronto Star and Broadcast Dialogue and, since 2014, a regular contributor to the Hill Times with a monthly column on political and communications issues.
Earlier in his career, Cardozo was an adjunct professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University and a commissioner of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Cardozo’s volunteer involvement includes being an adjudicator for the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. He has also been a board member of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region, Media Awareness Network, and the Vancouver-based Institute of Media Arts, Policy and Civil Society and has been active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa.
THE SENATE
The Senate is the upper house in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates space for the voices of historically under-represented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialised communities, and women.
Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
