Toronto, ON – Representatives from the Armenian National Committee of Toronto (ANCT) attended a fundraiser for Lois Brown, MP Newmarket-Aurora, on Thursday, May 28, 2009.  Lois is a good friend of the Armenian Community and ANCT endorsed her nomination during the October 2008 general federal election sending several volunteers to assist her victorious campaign.

In discussions during the event, Lois thanked the ANCT representatives for their support in her election, and reiterated her commitment to working with the Armenian community in the Greater Toronto Area.  Lois also mentioned how a DVD featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian she obtained at the 2008 Summerfest at the Armenian Youth Centre (AYC) quickly became one of her favourites, and that she definitely looked forward to attending the Summerfest again this coming July  to further experience Armenian culture and meet with members of the community.

ANCT representatives Vahan Ajamian and Sam Manougian with Lois Brown, MP Newmarket-Aurora at the May 28, 2009, fundraiser.	Lois at the 2008 Summerfest with community members, as well as The Hon. Peter Kent, MP Thornhill, and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), as well as Peter Shurman, MPP Thornhill.

The event was an intimate fundraiser and ANCT representatives were able to spend considerable time discussing issues of concern to the Toronto Armenian community with other political dignitaries present from all levels of government, including The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

During their discussion with Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the Town of Markham, Mr. Scarpitti expressed regret that he was not able to attend the flag ceremony earlier in the day at Markham Town Hall as he was called to an emergency meeting.  Mr. Scarpitti also again expressed his condolences regarding the passing of Diran Terzian in April recalling how he presented Mr. Terzian with a gift in October 2008 at a reception at Markham Town Hall on the occasion of the council’s unanimous passage of a resolution officially designating April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian Community in memory of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War.

“Our attendance at Lois Brown’s fundraiser was a very fruitful event for the community” expressed Sam Manougian.  “It was a great opportunity for us to show our support for our good friend Lois, as well as a chance to speak with other community leaders of York Region and remind them of our issues.”