Empowering Communities through Science and Service: Dr. Peizhong (Peter) Wang Named a 2025 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant
October 19, 2025
Dr. Peizhong (Peter) Wang （王培忠）, Founder and President of the Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants for 2025—a prestigious national honour celebrating the achievements and contributions of immigrants across the country. The award highlights Dr. Wang’s lifelong commitment to improving immigrant health, fostering cultural integration, and promoting community well-being.
A Lifelong Commitment to Immigrant Health and Education
Dr. Wang is a Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health at Memorial University and Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, as well as a Senior Scientist at the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute. He has dedicated his career to research and teaching in cancer epidemiology, immigrant health, aging, and quality of life.
Over the past two decades, he has been a lead or co-investigator on more than 50 research projects funded by agencies such as CIHR, SSHRC, and PHAC, and has published over 120 peer-reviewed papers. As a mentor, he has trained more than 40 students and young researchers, many of whom have gone on to make meaningful contributions in Canada and abroad.
The University of Toronto, in a congratulatory letter (above) to Dr. Wang, praised his “outstanding leadership, service, and impact on immigrant health in Canada,” recognizing how his academic work bridges rigorous research and real-world community benefit.
Empowering Communities Through CNIW
Beyond academia, Dr. Wang has spent more than 20 years building organizations that empower newcomers to Canada. He founded or co-founded several non-profit groups, including the Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Education and Multiculturalism Alliance (EMAC), and the New Comer Centre in Canada (NCCC). Collectively, these initiatives have supported over 20,000 immigrants in their cultural, professional, and personal integration into Canadian life.
Since its establishment in 2019, CNIW has become a trusted national platform connecting research, education, and service for immigrant health. Its bilingual online journal and WeChat channel have published more than 400 articles promoting health literacy, mental well-being, and community resilience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CNIW launched hotlines and mental-health support services for Mandarin-speaking seniors and families, trained elder-abuse prevention ambassadors, and organized community workshops on vaccine confidence and public health. These programs reached more than 10,000 people and strengthened trust between immigrant communities and the broader health system.
“Do What You Like and Like What You Do”
Reflecting on the award in a recent Toronto.com interview, Dr. Wang said his guiding philosophy has always been simple yet powerful:
“Do what you like and like what you do.”
He added that combining passion and purpose is key to making lasting contributions — whether through academic research, student mentorship, or volunteer service.
“This recognition truly belongs to our community,” Dr. Wang said. “It celebrates the collective efforts of countless volunteers, colleagues, and students who share CNIW’s mission of promoting the health and well-being of new immigrants.”
A Shared Honour for the CNIW Community
The Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW) celebrates this national honour as a milestone not only for Dr. Wang but for everyone who has contributed to its vision. As the organization continues to expand its programs in research, public education, and youth engagement, this recognition reinforces CNIW’s central role as a bridge between science and community service.
“CNIW remains committed to promoting immigrant well-being through evidence-based research, culturally sensitive education, and volunteer empowerment,” said Dr. Wang. “Together, we will continue building a healthier, more inclusive Canada.”
Dr. Peizhong (Peter) Wang interviewed by OMNI Television on Receiving Award （王培忠教师接受OMNI 电视采访）
