It’s a long journey from refugee to Federal Court judge, and UFV was an important step along the way for Justice Shirzad Ahmed.  

At the age of 18 Shirzad was a political exile from Kurdistan. He gained temporary refuge in Italy and a permanent home in Canada.  Launching his post-secondary studies at UFV (then UCFV) in the early 1990s at the age of 30, Shirzad completed his BA at Simon Fraser and went on to earn his law degree at the University of Calgary. 

“I received education here (Canada) and it became a home for me. I developed intellectually, to be sure; but I also developed as a human being. I met others. I set up a life here. I recommend that others try to make the most out of not only the classroom, but the life outside of it.” 

Motivated by his own experiences, Shirzad fought tirelessly for vulnerable people as a lawyer. He helped gay men escaping persecution in Nigeria, conscientious objectors seeking refuge from Ethiopia and Somalia, women running from sexual slavery and enforced prostitution in Yugoslavia, people fleeing religious persecution as Falun Gong members in China, and many others. 

And then Ottawa came calling. Shirzad was invited to join Canada’s Federal Court, which deals with cases in a broad range of areas of federal jurisdiction, including immigration and refugee law. 

Justice Ahmed has recently taken on an additional role as head of the Americas Chapter for the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges. This association is a collection of decision makers from around the globe who seek to foster recognition that protection from persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion is an individual right established under international law, and that the determination of refugee status and its cessation should be subject to the rule of law.  

When he reflects on his early experiences in Canada, Shirzad remembers UFV with fondness.  

“UFV is a great university,” he notes. “What I appreciated most was the ease of access to professors, including through smaller class sizes. Learning is done best dialogically: I fondly remember the conversations that I had, what I learned through them, and the friends I made in having them.  

“UFV had terrific people, including many mature students. Being a smaller university meant I got to know people very well, including administrative staff. The value I derived is from meeting the people of UFV. The university remains close to my heart for it.” 

As for advice for current students? 

“Be involved with the university’s community. Give back to it. Get to know the students, professors, and staff. Seek out the chance to be involved with groups, whether it be within the institution or outside of it. You will enrich the university. In turn, the university will enrich you.” 

He recalls many instructors who helped him, including Eric Davis, Scott Fast, the late Kevin Busswood, the late Jack Gaston, Cherie Enns, Jeff Morgan, and John Carroll. Shirzad also made long-term friends with many of his fellow students, including some who were in their 70s and 80s. 

“I know that the people in the valley will always welcome newcomers with open arms. I have nothing but great things to say about UFV — then and now.”