Baylis wins nomination for federal Liberals
Businessman Frank Baylis is the new federal Liberal candidate for the riding of Pierrefonds- Dollard.
The president of Baylis Medical was up against lawyer Brigitte Garceau, political science graduate Jordan Gentile and businessman Arif Naek during last week’s candidate- selection meeting.
Baylis is no stranger to the party, having worked behind the scenes in various capacities for 35 years.
The 52- year- old told the Montreal Gazette that the moment was right for him to step out from be- hind the scenes.
“Life is about timing,” Baylis said. “I began thinking about ( seeking the nomination) when I turned 50,” he said. “( Former Liberal candidate) Bernard Patry retired, my three children were grown, I have a successful business with a strong business partner who can take the reins. So I have the time to dedicate to what is a very demanding job.”
Over the years, Baylis has been in charge of fundraising for the Quebec federal Liberals, was president of its finance committee, financial agent for federal Liberal MP for Lac- St- Louis Francis Scarpaleggia and worked with Stéphane Dion’s team when he won the Liberal leadership race in 2006.
As a candidate, he will focus on two themes: economic opportunity and social equality.
“We have a major problem in the West Island,” Baylis said. “Young people ( between the ages of 25 and 35) are leaving the province in droves in search of economic opportunity. We have to help them stay and build great careers. I think I have an understanding about how business opportunities can help people grow.”
And Baylis wants to quell the affects of the Parti Québécois’ proposed charter of secular values, which drove a wedge between communities during the last provincial election campaign.
“The PQ wanted to use religion to block people from getting jobs,” Baylis said.
“I believe that a society where everybody is treated equally, combined with economic opportunity, makes for a better society.”
The Liberals came in second in the riding in 2011 federal election. The riding is held by NDP MP Lysane Blanchette- Lamothe.
I think I have an understanding about how business opportunities can help people grow.