MANI Deol-Fallon on Thursday finally announced that she is seeking the Conservative Party nomination in Surrey Centre federal riding.

The only thing new was the addition to her last name. Just until last December when she was involved with the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen in organizing the annual Christmas party for the Chaldean community, she was “Mani Fallon.” Now she has added “Deol” to her last name.

As a resident of Surrey for over 30 years, Deol-Fallon says she has a deep understanding of the important issues and priorities of Surrey residents.

Her press release stated: “With strong ties throughout the community, she has an extensive background in business administration, franchise operations, sales and marketing, as well as experience in government working in the office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism. Having served as the Conservative Party of Canada’s Regional Organizer in British Columbia, Mani also has an appreciation for the grassroots efforts of Canadians and the thousands of volunteers who contribute to Canada’s political system.”

“I passionately believe in the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. His government has grown the Canadian economy despite tough global economic times, shown strength on the international stage, and a deep commitment to the prosperity of British Columbia. With a focus on keeping our community safe and keeping taxes low for families, I look forward to working hard to win the nomination so that I can join the Prime Minister’s team in the next election and ensure Surrey Centre has a strong voice in Ottawa,” said Deol-Fallon.

“I am now raising my family in the same neighbourhood I grew up in and am proud to call one of Canada’s most diverse ridings home. I want to ensure Surrey Centre not only remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family, but has even greater opportunities for the next generation of Surrey residents.”

Deol-Fallon ran for the Conservative Party in the 2011 election, narrowly losing in a tight three-way race in the riding of Newton-North Delta. With her broad private and public experience, as well as firsthand knowledge of what is necessary to be a strong candidate during an election, she says she brings a wealth of experience to the nomination race and will be a strong voice for all residents of Surrey.

DEOL-FALLON was born in Duncan, B.C. Her grandfather immigrated to Canada from India in 1906 and brought with him a strong work ethic and a desire to build a life in a country that would give his future family an opportunity to thrive. A small town upbringing, along with the example set by her parents, instilled the importance of family and the value of hard work in Mani at a young age.

Mani has lived in Surrey Centre since 1981, when the family moved to Surrey, seeking greater economic opportunities. Watching her father work double shifts to put food on the table, Mani became all too familiar with the challenges faced by families across the riding as many struggled to not only provide the basics for their families but to ensure the safety of their children and elders. As a result, Mani developed a lifelong commitment to volunteer in her community to improve the lives of her neighbours, a commitment that can be seen in her passion for politics and her desire to increase the opportunities in Surrey Centre.

Mani has a degree in International Relations from U.B.C. and has continued with part-time studies at BCIT in an ongoing effort to continue to broaden and improve her skillset. With an extensive background in business administration, franchise operations, sales and marketing, Mani has experience dealing with multi-million dollar budgets as well as human resource challenges.

Mani also believes in the importance of giving back to her community, demonstrated in her volunteer efforts. Mani has sat on numerous boards including the South Asian Family Association and the Motion Picture Theatre Association of B.C. Newly appointed to the Diversity Advisory Committee to the City of Surrey, Mani continues to not only contribute to her community but stay engaged in the issues of the day.

Mani has been married for over 20 years to her husband Matthew and is raising two young daughters, Jaymie and Ruby in the same neighbourhood she grew up in.