ANCC representatives meet with Minister Mélanie Joly in Cambridge

(Horizon Media / CAMBRIDGE, ON) — Representatives of the Armenian National Committee of Canada and ANC Southwestern Ontario met with Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, during her visit to the Armenian Community Centre of Cambridge on Wednesday, July 8.

Bryan May, former Member of Parliament for Cambridge, also attended the meeting, alongside the local and regional leadership of the ANC.

The visit provided an opportunity to introduce Minister Joly to Cambridge’s vibrant and growing Armenian community, its institutions and its contributions to the broader social, cultural and economic life of Southwestern Ontario.

Discussions covered a range of domestic issues important to Armenian Canadians, including the continued development of community institutions, greater engagement with the federal government and the importance of supporting the long-term growth and participation of Armenian-Canadian communities across the country.

The participants also discussed the consequences of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, the rights and needs of the forcibly displaced Armenian population, the continued detention of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan and the need for Canada to remain actively engaged on these issues.

The meeting further addressed ways to advance Canada-Armenia relations, strengthen economic ties, and expand Canada’s engagement with Armenia.

The ANCC and ANC Southwestern Ontario thanked Minister Joly and Mr. May for visiting the centre and engaging directly with members and representatives of the local Armenian community.