TORONTO – Last night political leaders including Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff joined hundreds of Jewish Young Professionals at the 5th annual Toronto ACTION Party. Organized by the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC), attendees had a unique opportunity to engage with dozens of politicians from every level of government and across the political spectrum.
“The energy surrounding this year’s party was like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” said David Steckel, one of this year’s co-chairs. “For many of the attendees, the authentic nature of their experience helped them see that getting politically engaged is critical for our community.”
This year’s sold-out party, held at the Royal Conservatory of Music, featured cutting edge musical acts alongside chic décor which complemented the Conservatory’s natural beauty and sleek lines. The highlight of the night were two passionate addresses delivered by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. Even a vote in parliament couldn’t keep politicians away, with many joining over the course of the evening as the party went late into the night.
“CJPAC is honoured to be able to play this vital role for our community. If we want our communities’ voice to be heard on the issues that are close to our hearts, each of us needs to build relationships and get involved in the political process,” said Mark Waldman, Executive Director of CJPAC. “It was a thrill to see the next generation of Jewish leadership stepping up and leading our community on the political scene.”
Photos from the night can be viewed on CJPAC’s facebook page and on flickr. Video of the event will is available on CJPAC’s youtube page.
CJPAC would like to thank the following elected officials, nominated candidates, and international representatives for joining us (in order of precedence, as proscribed by protocol):
Federal
Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada
Hon. Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade
Hon. Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition and the Liberal Party of Canada
Senator Linda Frum
Senator Vim Kochhar
Senator Don Meredith
Hon. Jim Abbott, MP
Hon. Ken Dryden, MP
Hon. Joe Volpe, MP
Patrick Brown, MP
Bob Dechert, MP
Ed Fast, MP
James Lunney, MP
Robert Oliphant, MP
Mario Silva, MP
Terence Young, MP
Provincial
Hon. Chris Bentley, Attorney General of Ontario
Hon. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Hon. Glenn Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation.
Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Transportation
Tim Hudak, Leader of the Official Opposition and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario
Mike Colle, MPP
Christine Elliot, MPP
Frank Klees, MPP
Paul Miller, MPP
Peter Shurman, MPP
David Zimmer, MPP
Municipal
His Worship Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto
Ana Bailão, Councillor, Toronto
Colin Campbell, Councillor, Markham
Josh Colle, Councillor, Toronto
Login Kanapathi, Councillor, Markham
Josh Matlow, Councillor, Toronto
James Pasternak, Councillor, Toronto
Howard Shore, Councillor, Toronto
Candidates
Mark Adler, Candidate for Member of Parliament
John Carmichael, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Christine Innes, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Andrew Lang, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Ellen Michelson, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Karen Mock, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Michael Mostyn, Candidate for Member of Parliament
Rocco Rossi, Candidate for Member of Provincial Parliament
Foreign Dignitaries:
Amir Gissin, Consul General of Israel
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