Celebration of Jim Karygiannis' 15 Years as a Member of Parliament
On
Sunday, November 2003, a truly joyous and memorable event was held at the
Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall in Markham, as nine hundred people attended the
celebration of Jim Karygiannis' fifteenth anniversary as the Member of Parliament
for Scarborough-Agincourt. The
Scarborough-Agincourt Federal Liberal
Association hosted this very uplifting and emotional evening.
Family,
friends, volunteers, supporters and dignitaries joined Mr. Karygiannis
in marking this milestone in public office.
As they gathered for
the reception held prior to the dinner and dance, they enjoyed the refreshments,
mingled with one another and extended to Mr. Karygiannis their best
wishes.
At the conclusion of the reception, everyone adjourned to the banquet room for the dinner and dance. Decorated in red and white, the colours of the Liberal Party, the room it was indeed a sight to behold. Tables draped with white linen tablecloths were appointed with red linen napkins in the water glasses, stands of red and white balloons and a beautifully wrapped bon-boniere. Each chair was draped with a red and white Liberal t-shirt that guests took home as souvenirs.
When
everyone had taken their places, they were asked to stand for the singing
of our National Anthem, "O Canada."
Members of the diplomatic community,
elected officials, representatives of several faith communities and
leaders of various cultural organizations were recognized for their presence.
The cheerfulness of the celebration was also tinged tearful emotion during the formal part of the evening.
In his remarks, Mr. Gerry Phillips, MPP, Scarborough-Agincourt, praised Jim Karygiannis for his tremendous constituency work over the years, saying that Jim is one of the best constituency Members he has ever known. Mr. Phillips also talked about his counterpart's remarkable ability to reach out to the various cultural communities in Scarborough-Agincourt and beyond, not by only attend various events but, by engaging people in meaningful dialogue about issues of interest and concern to them, in Canada and internationally.
Mr.
Allen Pollard, a long time friend and volunteer recalled Jim's career achievements
in politics from the first time he ran for elected office in 1987
to his fourth consecutive election victory in Scarborough-Agincourt in
2000. He said that people
trust Jim Karygiannis and ".go to him with confidence
that he will listen attentively, fulfil his promises expeditiously
and he knows how to keep confidences when asked.".
Dr. Alphonse
Selinger, President of the Scarborough-Agincourt Federal Liberal
Association talked about Jim's strong commitment to public service both
at the riding level and in the House of Commons saying that he is in Ottawa
for important votes and debates. He
added that constituents know Jim will bring their concerns to the caucus
table with conviction and vigour. In
proposing a toast to Jim Karygiannis he called upon him say a few words.
Jim thanked everyone for joining him at this celebration and for supporting him throughout his political career. Speaking passionately about the new vision for Canada under the leadership of the Prime Minister Designate, Paul Martin, he talked about the new and exciting era that Canadians were embarking upon - an era whose hallmarks are co-operation and consultation.
To illustrate this point he explained that during the past week he attended the GTA Summit where, for the first time in a long time, Members of Parliament, MPPs and municipal councillors from the Greater Toronto Area held meaningful discussions on the future of the region and the role each level of government needs take in building healthier communities. He said that while bricks and mortar are very important to this re-construction process, keeping the people's agenda in the forefront of any agenda for positive change is paramount.
As many of you know, Jim Karygiannis is a MP of the people and for the people. He believes passionately in the potential of the human spirit.
With
tears in his eyes he said that Canada, under the stewardship of Paul Martin
would become a country of inclusion not exclusion.
He said there are four pillars in Canada, the First Nations
peoples, the English and French founding
cultures and the immigrants who came to Canada to make a better life
for them and their families. Immigrants,
he said, have worked with pride
and determination to help make Canada one of the best countries in the
world. However, in our
history there have been times when immigrants to Canada
have been ignored and mistreated. This
he said is not something of which
anyone can or should be proud.
Jim said people should believe in and practice what the word R.A.C.E. means.
Respect
our neighbours, Accept each other's differences, Celebrate our diversity
and Embrace one another. He
added R.A.C.E. is extremely important to success, progress and happiness.
His
heartfelt address resonated with his audience and he received warm sustained
applause and a standing ovation from the exuberant crowd.
Jim thanked his staff individually for their special and unique contributions during the past fifteen years. He praised his parents, children and in particular, his wife, for their steadfast support along his political journey.
