Lawyer, businesswoman, but also daughter of a former mayor of Sillery and former leader of the opposition in Quebec, Marie-Anik Shoiry saw politics present itself very early in her life. She will try her luck as a first-time candidate for Jean-Talon’s CAQ.
“I have always been interested in politics, but I never said to myself: ‘One day I am going to dedicate myself to politics.’ It was never like a career plan,” says the founder of Vide ta sacke, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes hygiene products to vulnerable people.
Sitting in a cafe on Avenue Maguire, Mme Shoiry says that this sector saw her grow and that she held several student jobs there. “It’s definitely my place,” she says, adding that she also has Lebanese origins.
“My grandmother still prepares Lebanese food for us. I have the recipes, but I don’t think she can beat my grandmother,” she says, laughing.
Family values
Returning to politics, the young woman also remembers very well the moment when her father, Paul Shoiry, decided to stand as an independent councilor for Sillery. He then became mayor of Sillery until 2002.
“Their brochures were in black and white,” she recalls, highlighting how proud she was of this commitment to the population. “It is one of the values that my parents transmitted to me,” she says.
Politics back then was very different. There were no social networks. And it was not uncommon for citizens to call the house directly to discuss their problems with their father. “It was local politics. I lived this throughout my adolescence and I have beautiful memories. »
The worst experience
Although he worked hard, his father was always there and his mother also participated with him. The latter died of cancer at the age of 53, in 2010. “It was probably the most difficult test of my life,” the young woman confesses. It was the foundation of our family. »
The terrible experience, he adds, “made him realize that you have to enjoy life and do what you love.”
Her mother’s illness also prompted her father to take a break from political life to care for her.
For her part, Marie-Anik Shoiry was contacted by the CAQ this summer, following the resignation of Joëlle Boutin. She then went on vacation with her partner and her three teenage children. “I was very surprised (…) she was there, yes, maybe one day, but I wouldn’t have sent my CV, you understand? »
Other job opportunities have come her way since founding Vide ta sacke in 2018, but she has always turned them down. “I love what I do now, it’s my baby and I really believe in the mission of the organization. But beyond everything, the reason I do it (…) is that I love the world, caring for and helping people. And to me, that is the first role of an elected official. »
He saw this opportunity as an opportunity to take his commitment to another level. Her thoughts, during her vacation, led her to get going. Her children are older, her partner no longer travels for work like before, and the organization she founded has solid foundations.
Her father has also been involved with the CAQ since 2018. “He told me, ‘I see you doing this and I know you’re capable. But it’s not easy, politics,'” she says, referring to her “protective paternal side.” ”. Since she started, the man she considers her “political mentor” has given her a hand and even put up posters for her.
Confidential exchanges
I was also curious to know what the lawyer thought about the broadcast of exchanges dating back to 2022 between the CAQ and the current PQ candidate, Pascal Paradis. The latter had rejected the CAQ’s offer to run in the general election and the party revealed the supposedly confidential conversations.
METERme Shoiry expected this question and doesn’t want to get involved. “I am not here as a lawyer but as a candidate (…) and I do not feel comfortable commenting especially because it does not concern me. »
Many observers also believe that it would be difficult for the CAQ to find a good candidate after the resignation of Joëlle Boutin, attributed behind the scenes to the fact that he did not obtain a ministry.
But Marie-Anik Shoiry doesn’t care about that at all. “I’m not a title girl,” she repeats twice during the interview. It is not important to me. »
Vulnerable people
Regarding Jean-Talon’s problems, the CAQ candidate cites social issues, vulnerable people, access to menstrual products and women’s rights. “These are things that are very close to my heart. »
He does not mention transportation issues or the third link, which many consider the CAQ’s Achilles heel in these elections, after the abandonment of the highway project between Quebec and Lévis.
