The Liberian Association of Canada (LAC) over the weekend held the inauguration program for the second term into office of Leo Nupolu Johnson as President of the group in Canada.
Johnson has been in power since 2019, and his 2nd term victory came due to developmental tangibles during his first administration as head of LAC in Canada. According to report from Canada, during the election Johnson received 70% of the votes cast.
Speaking with the Hot Pepper via mobile exclusively, the re-elected President of the Liberian Association in Canada said his second-term victory is predicated upon accomplishments made by his administration over the past two years.
When asked to name some, he said during the COVID-19 pandemic the LAC provided over US$30,000 for food security aid package to vulnerable populations in Liberia, to include the Group of 77, Fatima Cottage, Blind Association and more than ten orphanages within Liberia.
He also stated that during the pandemic period of the year in review the LAC raised over US$300,000 to support Liberian families based in Canada who were badly affected by the COVID-19 virus, among others.
On his second-term platform, the re-elected President of the LAC said his administration will focus its attention of building the foundation of resource mobilization, fundraising, youth empowerment and strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries (Liberia and Canada), with emphasis on education and economic growth.
Johnson disclosed that LAC has submitted a concept document to the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, entitled, “A Pathway for Diaspora Engagement in Canada—A Framework for the Government of Liberia to Drive Development, Diaspora Engagement and Mobilize Economic Opportunities through the Appointment of Honorary Consuls”.
He said he is scheduled to visit Liberia in April 2022, and looks forward to active engagement with the Foreign Affairs Minister and other stakeholders as a follow-up on the concept paper.
The LAC is the umbrella association of Liberians in Canada and is building a community where Liberians are empowered with the tools and opportunities to thrive and contribute to Canadian society and celebrate their cultural heritage. The LAC current membership includes Liberian-Canadian Association in London (Ontario), Liberian-Canadian Association of Hamilton/Niagara (Ontario), Association of Liberia Immigration in Kitchener Environs (Ontario), Liberian Association in Windsor and Essex County (Ontario), Liberians Community in Quebec, Liberian/Canadian Association of Manitoba, Liberian Friendship Society of Canada (Alberta) and the Liberian Association of Greater Vancouver (British Columbia).
Those officials elected are Leo Lekpele Nupolu Johnson, re-elected President; Eugene Bioh Blawah, Vice President; Ethel Harmon, Secretary General; and Adam O. Neawon, Chief Financial Officer.
The just-ended inauguration ceremony was well attended by Liberians in Canada.