This Multiculturalism Day, J.D. Irving, Limited is celebrating six newcomers who’ve joined its operations in recent years, some of whom have obtained their Canadian citizenship. Diversity within the businesses fosters more open and accepting attitudes and exposure towards differing cultures.

Odingo Hind, Warehouse associate for Kent Homes Bouctouche, NB. 

After transitioning from a hospitality career in 2019, Hind arrived in Canada from Jamaica to pursue his studies in business management. He is now in the final stages of obtaining his Canadian permanent residency and is looking forward to reuniting with his family by bringing his parents to join him.

Hind is embracing the change and says he is thriving in a safe and supportive work environment. 

Marcelo Lima, Certification Engineer, Irving Shipbuilding

From Brazil, Marcelo Lima joined Irving Shipbuilding in 2021. He has been working in Newfoundland as a certification engineer. Over the course of eight years Lima became a Canadian citizen and considers this as a lifetime achievement. Lima is currently involved in the Systems Engineering for The Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) project and continues his position as a certification engineer. 

Lima feels every Canadian born citizen should have the chance of attending a Citizenship Oath Ceremony. His neighbours, who were invited to the ceremony, told him they realized the importance of something frequently taken for granted.

Oleksandr Shkolnik, Laborer, Grand Lake Timber Sawmill 

Oleksandr Shkolnik was among the first group of newcomers to arrive at Grand Lake Timber. He comes from Ukraine, began his career with J.D. Irving, Limited in October 2021 and continues to work at the mill. He and his wife recently opened a gym in Chipman, which has aided the community. 

Learn more about Oleksandr Shkolnik's fitness center opening: https://www.jdirving.com/en/newsroom/Sawmill-employee-sets-up-gym-for-local-community/

Liliia Lemelianova, International Recruitment/Immigration Specialist, Woodlands

In 2017, Liliia Lemelianova moved to Sussex with her husband and son from Kyiv, Ukraine. She has been with, J.D. Irving, Limited since May 2018 in the international recruitment department. Lemelianova says they enjoy living in the town of Sussex and being part of a friendly and safe community. 

Manuel Saa, KENT Pro Sales, KENT Dartmouth Crossing store.
In December of 2018, Saa arrived in Nova Scotia from Chile and began his KENT journey as a Warehouse Associate. While his first few months were challenging in a new country with limited English and acclimatizing to Canadian winters, Saa soon began adapting and growing in his role. In August 2020, he was promoted to Yard Supervisor until March 2021, when he moved to his current role in KENT Pro Sales.
 "It's been a true honour to become a Canadian citizen,” says Saa.  “I am proud of that because, in the beginning, I wanted to return to my country and it was really hard, but I never gave up and I continue to push for my girls' dreams and mine."

Daniela Spatariu, Deployment Planner, Cavendish Farms

In 2018, Spatariu arrived from Romania with her family. Spatariu received her Canadian Citizenship in March of this year.

“When we decided to come to Canada, we didn’t know if we would stay in Moncton forever,” says Spatariu. “We fell in love with Moncton and the people here, it’s similar to the hometown we come from.”

Happy Multicultural Day!