Welcoming Remarks by THOMAS S. SARAS

Your Excellencies, ambassador Omar Samad of Afghanistan, Ioannis Mourikis of Greece, Rafiq Ahmed Khan, High commissioner of Bangladesh. Minister Jason Kenney, Hon. Jim Karygiannis, Hon. Minister Colle of the Ontario Government, Hon. Members of the Diplomatic Corp. Your Worship Mayor David Miller, General Guy Thibault, Members of the Department of National Defence, Mr. Reg. Williams, Mr. John Carthrait, President of the Labour Council of Ontario, Honourable invitees, Brothers and Sisters in the Ethnic Press and Media, ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you for the Honour of your presence here tonight to celebrate with the members of the National ethnic press and Media Council the New Year 2007.

The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada this year is celebrating 30 years of struggles for the recognition of its role in the Canadian Society.

30 years of battles during which we last many wonderful people, dedicated brothers and sisters in the dream of making the Canadian Society more just and equitable. At the same time new blood, new faces, new warriors joined the struggle with the help of them we managed to celebrate achievements which previously we though unachievable.

The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, today represents 400 publications out of a total 536 in Canada, of 98 different languages and about 35 TV and Radio show producers. This reality makes strong this organization and tonight with your presence you proved the power and the abilities of this organization.

Members of the organization are talking different tongs but they speak one language. The language of the human inspiration, of democracy and equality.

Our ideal is democratic liberty. Our instrument is honor and friendship. Our method is increasing understanding among our communities and all the levels of our government. We safeguard the great rights of our liberties and together we build a civilization for the advancement of our common destiny, our future and our Country.

We believe with all our heart and soul that in the long struggle of the human race to attain an orderly, peaceful, equal and democratic society in the form of elected government with representatives of the various Canadian cultural Communities, is the highest achievement of this organization.

We are a nation of many bloods and of diverse national and cultural origins, and yet we stand before the international community as one people united in a common determination, how to preserve freedom and equality for all Canadians.

Our Armed men and women are doing their best to help the helpless citizens of the world to enjoy freedom and respect by their respected government.

Besides being solders, peacekeepers, and fitters of the evil of the tyranny and injustice of the few, they are volunteer builders, plumbers, electricians and social workers, in their effort to help the victims of the civil and international conflicts.

For this reason tonight we have the great privilege to honor the Canadian men and women for their role in serving Canada and the World.

Thank you again and wish you all welcome and thank you.