NEIL DRABKIN WILL RUN FOR CONSERVATIVES IN WESTMOUNT-VILLE MARIE

Prominent Montreal lawyer Neil Drabkin, who for the past five years has served as the chief of staff to the Honourable Stockwell Day in Ottawa, will run for the Conservative Party of Canada in the riding of Westmount-Ville Marie.

Councillors Mike Cohen and Glenn J. Nashen with Treasury Board Chief of Staff Neil Drabkin

A native Montrealer, Drabkin believes the time has come for voters in Westmount-Ville Marie to be represented by the government in power. “The Prime Minister has asked for the support of the Canadian people to form a majority government on May 2 and I believe the citizens of Westmount-Ville Marie want to be represented in that government,” he said. Drabkin continued: “The Conservative Government’s stellar performance in managing the economy during the international economic crisis and the requirements necessary to maintain effective recovery and create new jobs moving forward are of utmost importance to all Canadians.”

Carl Ravinsky, President of the Westmount-Ville Marie Conservative Association, warmly welcomed Drabkin as the riding’s candidate. “Neil’s from Montreal, knows our community well, and his many years in Ottawa will make him a strong representative of of our constituency.”

In Ottawa, Drabkin was Day’s chief of staff in three important portfolios: Public Safety, International Trade, and Treasury Board. At Public Safety, he and Day worked directly with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), and Canada Border Services Agency, to safeguard the security and safety of all Canadians; at International Trade, Drabkin worked with Day to expand the reach and scope of Canadian enterprise around the world; while at Treasury Board, Drabkin assisted Day in implementing a program of expenditure restraint in order to reduce the deficit.

Day also welcomed Drabkin’s candidacy. “Neil’s tenacity and attention to detail, coupled with his emphasis on building consensus on major projects and issues, have served him well in Ottawa, and are tremendously important assets to be of service to Westmount-Ville Marie as their Member of Parliament.”

Drabkin served as deputy chief of staff and senior policy advisor to Canada’s Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship, Gerry Weiner, for seven years during then-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s tour of duty. Weiner called Drabkin “politically astute. He was someone upon whom I relied for invaluable advice. He will make an excellent representative of the people in Ottawa.”

Drabkin completed his law studies at McGill University and Université de Montreal, graduating with degrees in civil and common law. He has an honours degree in political science and was admitted to the Quebec Bar in June of 1989. Prior to accepting his present-day role, Drabkin ran a highly successful immigration practice, and also served as a federal crown prosecutor. Over a four-year period, Drabkin hosted his own radio talk show on CIQC AM 600. He also hosted several cable television specials and ultimately became a frequent commentator on immigration and citizenship matters in the print media and on television.

Neil Drabkin can be reached at (514) 481-8999. Follow Neil and the campaign on Facebook and Twitter.