ANCC Western Region Representative Meet with British Colombia’s Premier David Eby and other Government Leaders Discussing Plight of Artsakh People

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Vancouver SUCCESS team hosted its 51st Annual Gala, which attracted notable individuals, including British Columbia’s Premier, the Honourable David Eby. Among the distinguished guests were representatives from the Armenian National Committee of. Canada (ANCC) Western Region, including Vahe Andonian, Meghrig Sulahian Chapanian, Sevan Agopian, and Vanessa Bardakjian. ANCC representatives seized the opportunity to engage with government officials, philanthropists, and business leaders.

Prior to the event, Mr. Andonian met with Premier Eby, extending greetings from the vibrant Armenian community and Republic of Armenia MP Lilit Galstian whom the Premier had previously hosted during her official visit to British Columbia a year prior. Mr. Andonian also congratulated Premier Eby on his successful tenure and assured him of the vibrant Armenian community’s support in the upcoming elections. Premier Eby appreciated the gesture and renewed the annual invitation for ANCC and community members to commemorate the Armenian Genocide at the legislature in April, as has been the tradition.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Mr. Andonian briefed Premier Eby on the ongoing situations in Artsakh and Armenia, stressing the importance of acknowledging past genocides while condemning present atrocities, including the forced deportations of 150,000 ethnic Armenians from their ancestral homeland and the ongoing cultural and emotional genocide perpetrated by the new Turks in the region. Premier Eby acknowledged the significance of global peaceful conflict resolution.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Vahe Steve Agopian, a BC Armenian entrepreneur, has long been a supporter and member of the SUCCESS board, and co-chaired this year’s Gala, further enhancing the community’s presence and engagement.

ANCC members also engaged in discussions with other notable figures present, such as Canada’s Federal Member of Parliament, Hon. Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, as well as B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix, Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth, Minister Bruce Ralston, Minister Anne Kang, and several city officials.