Paul Nguyen, (born February 23, 1980) is a Canadian filmmaker, politician and social activist. In 2012, he was among the first 60 Canadians to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at the inaugural presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall to honour significant contributions and achievements to the country.The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: a Canadian celebration He is featured on Noteworthy Canadians of Asian heritageNoteworthy Canadians of Asian heritage by the Government of Canada.
Nguyen co-produced the Netflix true crime documentary What Jennifer Did, which explored the Jennifer Pan case. It became the number one Netflix movie in the worldJennifer Pan Netflix documentary sparks renewed interest in Markham murder-for-hire case coverage: A timeline of major stories during its first week of releaseThis nerve-shredding true crime doc just rocketed to #1 on NetflixTrue-Crime Documentary ‘What Jennifer Did’ Debuts Big On Netflix Global Top 10 Movies Chart and the most-watched documentary movie in 2024.
Nguyen was the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario's candidate for the district of Humber River—Black Creek in the 2022 Ontario general election and 2025 Ontario general election.
Life and career Nguyen was born in Toronto, Ontario to Vietnamese parents who fled to Canada after the fall of Saigon during The Vietnam War. After graduating from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, he attended York University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in film in 2004. Nguyen grew up in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. In 2004, Nguyen created Jane-Finch.com to address the constant negative media coverage about his community.
Jane-Finch.com Nguyen launched Jane-Finch.com on March 13, 2004, in response to negative stereotypes about the Jane and Finch community. The website gives an unprecedented look at the neighbourhood and features a multimedia library of information. In late 2005, a community news section was added to allow reporters to document local events not covered by the mainstream media. The website produces music videos, public service announcements, and broadcasts local political debates and town halls. In addition to the production of original content, the website also publishes submissions from residents.
Reception The website has received widespread critical acclaim and national media attention. In 2005, the website was featured on the Global Television Network evening newscast, Global National.Vuchnich, Aliison (February 1, 2005). "Jane-Finch.com on Global National: Internet Neighborhood", Global National In late 2005, CBC Radio host Shelagh Rogers featured the website for a special edition of Sounds Like Canada.Sounds Like Canada In 2008, the website was selected by Now Magazine among "9 things we love about Jane-Finch".9 things we love about Jane-Finch The website won back-to-back Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards in 2010 and 2011 for its ongoing community news coverageOMNI Television Presents the 32nd Annual Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards and the 2011 Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence in the media category. In 2021, Nguyen received the Star Metroland Media Urban Hero Award for combating stereotypes.URBAN HERO: Paul Nguyen combats Jane-Finch stereotypes on 'positive' news portal
Media career Nguyen is a frequent media commentator on social issues affecting the Jane and Finch community.
Advocacy
Nguyen has used his media footing to offer his opinion or act as an advocate for various issues. February 3, 2005, Nguyen appeared on Global National to talk about his viral music video You Got Beef? and Jane-Finch.com.Internet Neighbourhood August 4, 2005, Nguyen appeared on G4 Tech TV's Gadgets and Gizmos detailing his community work in the Jane and Finch area. October 18, 2005, CBC Radio Metro Morning host Andy Barrie introduced Nguyen's uncensored op-ed "The Real Toronto".The Real Toronto December 2, 2005, Nguyen took CBC host Shelagh Rogers on a tour of Jane and Finch for an episode of Sounds Like Canada. January 14, 2006, Nguyen appeared on CBC's Canada Now to discuss solutions to gun violence.Backpacking tour May 24, 2007, Nguyen and Mark Simms appeared on CTV's The Verdict with Paula Todd to discuss the Jordan Manners shooting.School shooting aftermath Summer 2007, Nguyen discussed the CBC Television documentary Lost in the Struggle in the Ryerson Review of Journalism. May 12, 2008, Nguyen talked about the growth of Jane-Finch.com in The Toronto Sun.Tamara Cherry. Jane-Finch dot com- website opens community to the world. Toronto Sun. May 12, 2008. pg A3 June 18, 2009, Nguyen appeared on Goldhawk Live with Dwight Drummond and Anthony Perruzza to discuss the future of Jane and Finch.What's in the future for Jane and Finch January 8, 2009, Nguyen spoke out in The Toronto Star against the rebranding of Jane and Finch to University Heights.Rebranding Jane and Finch January 8, 2010, Nguyen appeared on CBC's Metro Morning to give his opinion on Toronto's unsolved murder rate.Unsolved murder rate July 5, 2010, Nguyen was interviewed on Radio Canada International's The Link with Marc Montgomery about winning the Paul Yuzyk Award.RCI The Link October 6, 2010, Nguyen asked then-mayoral candidate Rob Ford how he would help solve the problems in the Jane-Finch area on CBC Radio's Metro Morning.Mayoral Candidates' Debate December 13, 2010, Judy Sgro, PC, MP praised Nguyen's community work in the House of Commons of Canada.Community Volunteerism June 4, 2012, Nguyen appeared on the CTV News Channel program, National Affairs, to discuss reaction to the Toronto Eaton Centre shooting.National Affairs: Shootings and stereotyping June 29, 2012, Nguyen appeared on Voice of America about being the first Vietnamese-Canadian to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.Thanh niên gốc Việt nhận Huy chương Kim khánh bội tinh Kim Cương của Nữ hoàng Anh
Broadcast
Nguyen has produced several documentaries featuring Toronto's Jane and Finch neighborhood. In 2006, Nguyen served as an associate producer on the Gemini Award-nominated CBC documentary Lost in the Struggle. Nguyen and Mark Simms spent 10 months following the lives of three troubled youth from the Jane and Finch neighborhood. The story was updated six years later in Lost in the Struggle: The Next Chapter, which aired on CBC on October 26, 2012.
What Jennifer Did (co-producer) (Netflix, 2024)Netflix documentary revives interest in Jennifer Pan murder-for-hire case Rap Battle (producer) (CBC, The Doc Project, 2020)Rap Battle [EXPLICIT LANGUAGE] Year of the Gun (associate producer) (CBC Docs POV, 2019)Year of the Gun Lost in the Struggle: The Next Chapter (associate producer) (CBC Television, the fifth estate, 2012)Lost in the Struggle: The Next Chapter Revealed: Missing the Target (associate producer) (Canwest Global/90th Parallel Prod., 2010)A frightening portrait of gun-crazy Canada Goldhawk Live: What's in the future for Jane and Finch? (community associate producer) (Rogers TV, 2009) Ian Jones: Activist and Artist, How the Steelpan is Changing Lives (director) (Bravo!/Leda Serene Films, 2007)EPISODE 9: Ian Jones: Activist and Artist, How the Steelpan is Changing Lives Give A 'Hood A Bad Name... (producer) (CBC Radio One, "Outfront" 2007)Give A 'Hood A Bad Name... Lost in the Struggle (associate producer) (CBC Television, the fifth estate, 2006)Lost in the Struggle Racism: Wash it Away (director) (Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition/MuchMusic, 1999)
Awards
2026: Nguyen received the Hua Cai Award 2025: Nguyen received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from MP Judy Sgro 2025: Nguyen received the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Award 2021: Nguyen received the Metroland Media Group Urban Hero Award 2019: Nguyen received the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) Award in the Internet category for Why Am I Still Alive?.Canadian Ethnic Media Association 41st Annual Awards Gala November 15, 2019 2018: Nguyen was awarded a Canada's Volunteer Award from Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jean-Yves Duclos for creating unique opportunities for the at-risk youth.Recipients of the 2018 Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2018: Nguyen received the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) Award for best podcast.Podcast about trans woman escaping from Syria wins award 2017: Nguyen was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers from Toronto Mayor John Tory for his efforts to eliminate racial discrimination through Jane-Finch.com.North York's Jane-Finch.com creator awarded Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers 2017: Nguyen was awarded the June Callwood Award from Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Laura Albanese.Outstanding Volunteers Receive June Callwood Awards 2015: Nguyen was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from Governor General David Johnston for his website in allowing area resident's voices to be heard. 2012: Nguyen received the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada AwardNational Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Award Recipients 2012 from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, David C. Onley, at the Ontario Legislative Building. 2012: Nguyen received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston and Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, for fighting stereotypes and acting as role model and mentor for at risk youth. 2011: Nguyen received the Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence for preserving the living cultural history of the Jane-Finch neighbourhood.Heritage Award for jane-finch.com The 37th annual awards ceremony was held at Koerner Hall, the Royal Conservatory of Music. 2011: Nguyen received the Newcomer Champion Award from Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He was recognized as a community leader in the Jane and Finch area who promotes civic engagement with at-risk youth.Newcomer Champion Awards: 2011 Recipients 2011: Nguyen received the Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award from the Toronto chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Toronto) for outstanding leadership and service to the community.Strategic Objectives fights sex trafficking and wins IABC/Toronto's People's Choice Award 2010: Nguyen was granted the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. He was invested at Queen's Park by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada, David C. Onley.Ontario Medal For Good Citizenship Recipients 2010: Nguyen received the Canadian Ethnic Media Association (CEMA) Award for best ethnic internet journalism in Canada.Canadian Ethnic Media Association announces award winners for 2010 32nd annual awards 2010: Paul Nguyen received the Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism2010 Award Recipient for Outstanding Achievement for making significant contributions to multiculturalism in Canada from the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, PC, MP. Nguyen received a $20,000 grant towards a non-profit organization of his choice. He was selected among 88 nominees across Canada. 2009: Nguyen was honoured at the City of Toronto's Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards. Nguyen received the William P. Hubbard Award for Race RelationsWilliam P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations2009 William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations winnersAdvocate wins city award for outstanding achievement in fostering a positive race relations environment and the elimination of racism and prejudice in Toronto. The award was presented at Toronto City Hall by City Councillor Gord Perks and the Mayor of Toronto, David Miller.Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards