Saturday 3 June 2023

Hundreds of supporters throng to his campaign launch in Ottawa

By Joy Osiagwu

MP Yasir Naqvi welcomes his supporters at the launch of his leadership campaign

Ottawa Centre Member of Parliament Yasir Naqvi has officially declared his candidacy in the bid for the Ontario Liberal leadership.

The crowd of supporters at St Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Ottawa

MP Naqvi had massive support from a crowd of followers and fans at the St Anthony’s Banquet Hall in Ottawa, the venue of the formal campaign launch, Saturday, June 3. Canadians from all walks of life and ages showed up, for the pancake breakfast, depicting a diverse nation where the differences reflect the strength of the people. Co-MC’s for the event were Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard and Orleans MP Marie-France Lalonde.

Supporters enjoy a pancake breakfast after the launch

For a leader familiar with life’s challenges, especially for immigrants, the outpouring of love and support pointed to the quest for better leadership compared to the status quo in Ontario.

Co-MC’s MP Marie-France Lalonde and MPP Lucille Collard

Several supporters said Naqvi is that tested team builder who can deliver the Liberal government’s promise of Ontario. The Black community had a good representation to support MP Naqvi who has been a strong supporter of the African, Caribbean, and Black organizations such as the Black History Ottawa, African Canadian Association of Ottawa, and many other community groups reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

L-R. Professor Andy Kusi-Appiah, Sarah Onyango & BOS Editor Godwin Ifedi at the event

MP Naqvi has therefore presented himself to work with the people of Ontario to address the challenges in the health care system, supply chain disruption, industrial labor, and power policies to mention a few.

Yasir Naqvi, left, poses with some of his supporters

MP Naqvi replaced Catherine McKenna as the MP for Ottawa Centre after the federal election in 2021.

Yasir’s supporters reflect Ottawa’s ethnic diversity

 Prior, he had served three times as the MPP for the same electoral district, holding several positions in then Premier Kathleen Wynne’s administration, including Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

MP Naqvi with his wife and children.

He relinquished his role as parliamentary secretary in March to join the race for the leadership of Ontario under the Liberal government. However, he remains a Member of Parliament despite his aspiration for Ontario leadership.

Campaign buttons and pens remind supporters of Yasir’s drive to return the Liberals to power in Ontario

The Member of Parliament can be described as a politician that works the talk.

Yasir Naqvi speaks to reporters at his Ottawa campaign launch

There are numerous stories about his service to the community and evidence of camaraderie in articles found in various editions of the Black Ottawa Scene magazine.

Please click the below link to read about Yasir Naqvi’s political and community engagements over the years.

https://blackottawascene.com/?s=yasir+naqvi

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JOY OSIAGWU

Joy Osiagwu is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She has over two decades of experience as a broadcast journalist in Nigeria and North America. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Cumbria in the United Kingdom, plus a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Performing Arts from the Columbia Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia.