Portrait: Getting to Know Your MP | Annie Koutrakis (Vimy)
Re-elected in 2025, MP since 2019
As part of a new series, Laval Weekly is featuring the Members of Parliament representing our city, offering residents a closer look at the individuals shaping public policy and advocating for Laval on Parliament Hill. First up: Annie Koutrakis, re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Vimy.
What excites you most about this new mandate?
“Having a new leader and Prime Minister is transformational,” Koutrakis explains. “Just like a new CEO impacts the direction of a company, the Prime Minister shapes policy, strategy, and culture. I share Mark Carney’s centrist views and economic focus. I can’t think of a better person to help guide us through today’s global economic challenges.”
How has your connection with Vimy residents evolved since 2019?
“I make it a point to be present wherever I’m invited and to communicate regularly with my 108,000 constituents through newsletters, social media, and local media appearances. I’ve worked to ensure they’re always informed on government programs and national issues.”
What experiences from your previous mandates continue to guide you?
“Experience is the best teacher,” she says. “Being named to the Finance Committee during my first term, right at the onset of the pandemic, taught me how to manage crisis at a national level. That still informs my work today.”
What first motivated you to enter federal politics?
“I had a long career in the investment industry and was deeply involved in nonprofit work. When Prime Minister Trudeau asked me to run in the very community where I had lived for decades and where my father ran his business, it felt like the right time for a new chapter.”
What does a typical day look like as an MP?
“In Ottawa, my days are packed with caucus meetings, committees like Finance and Transport, Question Period, debates and votes. I also meet with stakeholders, industry reps, and diplomats. As a former Parliamentary Secretary, I often represented Ministers across Canada during constituency weeks.”
What values guide you both personally and politically?
“I believe government should empower us to live freer, better lives. We all have a duty to contribute to society, and as legislators, we must treat taxpayer dollars as if they were our own spending responsibly and ethically.”
How would you describe your team?
“Dedicated, intelligent, and compassionate both in Vimy and in Ottawa. I’ve been lucky to work with colleagues who genuinely care about Canadians. It’s unfortunate that today’s polarized climate limits cross-party friendships, but mutual respect still exists.”
What’s a place in Vimy that holds meaning for you?
“I love the heart of Vimy: our vibrant commercial, educational, and cultural hubs. Laval is a global mosaic, and I’m always inspired by how people from around the world live together in harmony here.”
Are there local projects you’re particularly proud of?
“I’m proud to have supported a women’s shelter expansion, the new Moderna plant its first outside the U.S. and the Laval Aquatic Centre. I’d love to see high-speed rail stop in Vimy. That’s a dream I’m working on.”
Has a constituent encounter stood out recently?
“I’m always inspired by local entrepreneurs. Their passion, innovation, and pride reflect the strength of our community and its ability to meet global economic challenges head-on.”
How do you stay in touch with residents?
“Our Petit Cafés, held every six weeks across Vimy, are great for face-to-face conversations. We send invitations by mail, email, and social media. It’s about being accessible and truly listening.”
Is there something about you that people might not know?
“I’m relentless when it comes to resolving issues. My staff knows: we’re here to serve. If someone isn’t satisfied, I want to hear about it and I want to fix it.”
How do you unwind after a busy political week?
“Dinner with my spouse, seeing friends, or watching a movie at home helps me recharge. But honestly, attending events in Vimy is what fuels me most it reminds me why I do this.”
