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| THE MONTREAL GREEK TIMES GOPHER NEWS SERVICE |
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March 2026
Hellenic Congress of Quebec emphasizes need for more Greek-Canadian
candidates in provincial elections
(GIF) article photo
By Dimitri Papadopoulos
The golden light of communal purpose filled the Mikri-Vouli hall as
members of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec gathered to chart a course
for the future of the diaspora in a spirit of renewed unity and
patriotic dedication. This assembly, which followed the rescheduling of
the meeting from early December due to a crowded calendar of community
events, served as a profound affirmation of Greek identity and a
strategic pivot toward increasing the presence of Hellenes within the
halls of Canadian governance. The evening was defined by a shared
understanding that the preservation of Greek heritage in Quebec requires
not only the celebration of the past but also a sophisticated and
organized approach to contemporary civic engagement.
The General Assembly of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec, held on January
29, 2026, marked a significant milestone as 17 member organizations and
19 representatives convened at the offices of the Hellenic Community of
Greater Montreal. This gathering was particularly poignant given that
the session had been delayed from its original December 7, 2025, date to
ensure that the many competing cultural festivities of the season did
not dilute the focus on this vital democratic exercise. The atmosphere
was described as one of exceptional calm and high spirits, a welcome
shift from previous periods of internal friction. Under the steady
leadership of Sotiris Antypas, who was ultimately re-elected as
president, the organization has moved past a previous era of conflict
characterized by some as a period of crisis and aggression.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past two years, Antypas presented
a report that highlighted the meticulous work of committees dedicated to
social and political policy. These committees have been active in
drafting and submitting formal positions to all levels of government,
including the federal administration in Ottawa, the provincial
government of Quebec, and various municipal bodies. A central focus of
these efforts has been the critical analysis of Bill 1, which the
leadership described as a dangerous rearrangement regarding
constitutional matters rather than a productive development. The
congress has also focused on providing tangible support for the
community, ensuring that the Greek voice is heard in the hallowed
chambers where policy is decided.
The mission of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec remains deeply rooted in
the promotion of Hellenic values and the cultivation of the next
generation of leaders. Antypas emphasized that a primary goal for the
upcoming two-year term is to prepare and support young Greek-Canadians
for careers in provincial politics. With provincial elections on the
horizon, the congress views the current political landscape as an
opportunity for the community to exert its influence. The leadership
noted that several political parties are currently seeking to rebuild
and are actively looking for representatives from established
communities who can provide strong, reliable support. This strategy of
political grooming is seen as essential for maintaining the vitality of
the Greek presence in Quebec and ensuring that the needs of the diaspora
are not overlooked by the broader electorate.
The conversation during the assembly also touched upon the nuances of
municipal engagement and the lessons learned from recent local
elections. Participants discussed the challenges faced by Greek
candidates, such as Mary Deros and Georgia Haloulos, noting that the
congress remains committed to providing a platform for such
individuals. The discussion highlighted the complexities of local
governance, where the successes or failures of a municipal
administration can often impact the standing of individual councillors
regardless of their personal efforts or party affiliations. There was a
clear consensus that the community must stand united behind its
candidates to ensure that Hellenic representation remains robust in
every district where Greeks reside.
The organizational structure of the new board reflects a blend of
experience and fresh energy, designed to carry out the ambitious agenda
set for the next two years. Joining Sotiris Antypas on the executive
council are first vice-president Yannis Theodosopoulos, second vice-
president Voula Neofotistou, and third vice-president Angelos
Aravantinos, who represents the Concordia University Student
Association. The administrative functions will be managed by secretary
Massimo Briganti and treasurer Dimitra Kostaridi, while Dimitris
Tsikalas and Antonia Macris will serve as coordinators. The broader
board of directors includes Justin Frangouli, Andreas Krilis, Michalis
Kalyvas, Demetrios Katsaounis, Mania Papadopoulos, Pantelis
Papamichalopoulos, and Petros Stavropoulos. This diverse group is tasked
with managing the bureaucratic and strategic needs of the congress as it
enters what has been described as a bright new era for the community.
This new chapter coincides with the beginning of celebratory events
marking 120 years of the Greek community in the region. The leadership
views this anniversary as an opportunity for a rebranding of the
community, highlighting the beauty and strength of Hellenic culture to
the wider public. By inviting the media and the general public to join
in these festivities, the congress hopes to foster a sense of pride and
collective purpose that will sustain the organization through its
future endeavors. The success of the political conference held last
December, which drew participation from federal, provincial, and
municipal officials, serves as a testament to the growing influence of
the congress and its ability to act as a bridge between the Greek-
Canadian people and the state.
The assembly concluded with a focus on the practical work ahead,
including the ongoing development of policy documents that outline the
positions of the congress on social and political issues. These
documents, which have been shared with various levels of government,
represent a highly organized effort to advocate for the community. The
leadership expressed a strong desire for the media to remain closely
involved in the activities of the congress, helping to broadcast the
achievements and goals of the new administration to the wider
diaspora. As the meeting drew to a close, the sense of optimism was
palpable, with members looking forward to a period of stability and
growth under the guidance of a board committed to the long-term
prosperity of Hellenism in Quebec.
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