Mr. Evereklian, who once also served as chief of staff to Michel Dupuy, federal cabinet minister and Laval West MP (as Laval-Les Îles was then known) from 1993 to 1997, easily won the nomination, picking up 69% of the votes cast.
The campaign for the nomination originally featured three candidates, but in the end Mr. Evereklian faced only one opponent, Anthony Gouvoussis, following the withdrawal of former Laval-East MP and Liberal candidate Carole-Marie Allard prior to the vote.
Laval-Les Îles Conservative Riding Association President Victor Sabeh told Courrier Laval that Mrs. Allard informed the nominating convention organizers, in writing, of her withdrawal just an hour before the meeting started. "She cited personal reasons," Mr. Sabeh affirmed.
Stating that his conversion to Conservatism was a recent occurrence, Mr. Evereklian explained that he saw no possibility of advancement within Liberal ranks, "under the present circumstances." I appreciate Mr. Harper's leadership, he keeps his word. He respects the democratic process. There's transparency. Even though I'm a newcomer to Conservative ranks, I had an equal chance of winning the nomination," he stated.
The former chief organizer for the Liberal party of Canada in Laval-Les Îles, Mr. Evereklian believes the voters want change. According to him, voters support the candidate more than they support a particular party. If a candidate offers what the people are looking for, they'll support him," he stated in an interview the day after his nomination.
Reached in Ottawa this past Thursday, Laval-Les Îles Liberal sitting MP Raymonde Folco indicated she'll continue to do her work as usual. "Anyone who changes party affiliation as if he's changing his hat will have to explain himself to the people," she emphasized.
The MP took a harder line when asked about the candidacy of former colleague Marie-Carole Allard. She noted that Mrs. Allard was a Conservative before carrying the Liberal banner. "I don't have a lot of esteem for people who change parties. We have a particular vision of Quebec and Canada. A vision cannot change. I don't understand her logic," she added in reference to Mrs. Allard.
For the past three years, Mr. Agop Evereklian has served as Head of Protocol for United Nations Conferences held in Canada.
Photo: Agop
Photo:Gou
