For Orléans Conservative candidate Steve Mansour, running for political office is very much a personal calling.

“When I heard that the Party was looking for a candidate to run in Orléans, I knew I had to step forward and answer the call,” says Mansour when asked why he decided to run.
“I know the community. I was born here. I went to high school here. And I believe I have a lot to offer the residents should they put their faith and trust in me to represent them.”

Mansour went to St. Matthew High School. Afterwards, he went to Carleton University where he majored in law and legal studies and did a double minor in political science and philosophy.

After graduating from Carleton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Legal Studies, he was accepted to attend law school at McGill University in Montréal where he recently completed his second year of study.

In between his studies, Mansour worked for legislative services on Parliament Hill.

Born and raised in Orléans, Mansour is a proud Coptic Christian – both of his parents immigrated to Canada from Egypt – and he is the co-founder and vice president of Coptic Lawyers Canada. He is also quick to point out that he is fluently bilingual.

Before having his name put on the ballot, Mansour had to go through a detailed vetting process with the federal Conservative Party.

When he got the phone call from the Party he was thrilled.

“It was great, but then I realized the real work was about to begin,” says Mansour who has spent the last three weeks putting in 14 hour days, seven days a week to try to meet and talk to as many potential voters as possible.

“Honestly, this has been the best part about the campaign. Getting to talk to people and hear about their concerns and the struggles they’ve been having trying to keep up with rising prices. In some instances, it’s quite sad because people really are struggling and they are looking for the type of change the Conservative Party can bring them,” says Mansour.

Mansour is also cognizant of the fact that it is the younger generation who are the most impacted by the rising cost of everything from groceries to housing.

“Given the current state of affairs, it is really the young people who are the least represented in the decision-making process,” says Mansour. “They are the one who are going to be paying the price for what’s happening now. They are the ones who have a lower chance of success than their parents and the generation who preceded them.

“I also think it is incumbent on older people in our community who haven’t necessarily experienced the hardships of the affordability crisis in Canada, to keep the best interests of their children and grandchildren at heart, and to ensure that they are voting in a way that allows these future generations to have a fair shot at life like they once did.”

Mansour is also aware of the fact that the riding has traditionally voted Liberal, which only fuels his drive and determination even more, along with the support he has been receiving as he goes door-to-door.

“Honestly, the support people have been showing me has been overwhelming and I think that’s because I am representing a party that has a lot of the solutions to their problems,” says Mansour.

But win or lose, Mansour says he will have absolutely no regrets. “It’s totally worthwhile because it’s a noble endeavour.”