Community News - Jim Karygiannis Completes 15 Years As A Member of Parliament

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Wednesday December 17, 2003

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Jim Karygiannis Completes 15 Years As A Member of Parliament

By the time you read this he may be a minister. Or he may not be. For the energetic and charismatic Jim Karygiannis, it is party time anyway. Recently, hundreds of his friends and well-wisher came together to congratulate him on his 15th Anniversary as a parliamentarian.

Nine hundred people attended the celebration of Jim Karygiannis' fifteenth anniversary held at Crystal Fountain Banquet Hall in Markham. The Scarborough-Agincourt Federal Liberal Association hosted this very uplifting and emotional evening.

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.

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.

Jim Karygiannis 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.

Original Publication Date: Saturday, December 13, 2003