Meeting Minutes - Jun. 14, 2004

NATIONAL ETHNIC PRESS AND MEDIA COUNCIL OF CANADA          Conseil national de la presse et medias ethnicques du Canada                                                                                Canada’s Other Voices   Meeting Minutes June 14, 2004 @ 6 p.m. Boardroom #2, Main legislative building, Queen's Park Present: Thomas S. Saras Iraj Emad Herman Silochan Hassan Zerehi Dominique Leval Clyde Mcneil Bobb White Ahmad Hotaki Thelsome  Worldeamanuel Emily Mills Emmanuel Ayiku Tania Nuttall Anne Dawson Max Wynter Hermie Garcia Mila Garcia Jai Ojah Maharaj Srimal abeyewardin Luba Cherny Cindy Gu B. Ubale Regrets: Angela Kabouris Mona Feng Elizabeth Volski   1.  Opening remarks by the chairman Dr. Ubale calls meeting to order at 6:25 p.m.   2. Minutes of previous meeting Motion to pass minutes from May meeting put forth by Clive McNeil.  Seconded by Mr. Hassan.  Minutes passed.   3. Report of the President, Thomas Saras Meeting with Canadian Heritage Thomas Saras recaps the productive breakfast meeting with members of the NEPMCC and Canadian Heritage The issues discussed at the breakfast meeting were based on concerns from the NEPMCC conference in October.  Although Canadian Heritage is willing to contribute funds toward the proposals below, they requested a 2-3 person NEPMCC committee to work on the logistics and specific details of each request.  The NEPMCC’s main proposals are as follows: A) mailing privileges – adjustments by Canadian heritage to cover expenses of NEPMCC members B) changes to classification of periodicals – changing provisions so NEPMCC members will qualify for funding under the magazine fund C) pension plans – proposal for both NEPMCC and Canadian Heritage to contribute funds for a pension which will be granted to NEPMCC members when they reach the age of 65 Thomas Saras agreed that a committee will be formed and will follow-up with Canadian Heritage.  He also hopes the committee will negotiate government support and funding for the next NEPMCC convention   Word on the Street -Note date and new venue: Sunday, September 26, 2004 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Queen's Park  between Bloor & Wellesley -Thomas Saras received letter from festival confirming NEPMCC attendance with the magazine booths at Word on the Street.  NEPMCC has already paid all fees. -The president urges all NEPMCC members to prepare for the festival and attend the event with their publications so the organization will be represented well.  The organization must look strong and it’s a great opportunity for exposure   Ethnomedia Week -Note dates: September 3, 4 and 5th at the CNE -Members discussed talent from various ethnic communities for the international stage presented by the NEPMCC.  Thomas says the performances should be some type of jazz music.  Tania offered to coordinate Brazilian talent, Uba for the Russian talent and Jai suggested steel pan jazz. The NEPMCC has a 2-3 hour time slot for artists. -Thomas will speak to Uba about Abusan (contact at CNE); Thomas needs names of talent and the budget for performers as soon as possible   Update on the NEPMCC Awards -Dominique is chair of the NEPMCC Awards committee and has visited the Liberty Grand at the CNE (last year's venue).  However, the Forrest Hill Room at the Marriott Hotel, Yonge and Bloor, is a better price.  They also have better parking. They are offering a sitting dinner for $21 per person and it was suggested that each NEPMCC member may contribute $5-6 dollars so the organization can afford this. -There was also discussion about using banquet halls; keeping the award location accessible; high expectations in terms of the level of hospitality; best prices. -Reminder: only 4 guests for awardees but NEPMCC members can bring more people to the event if they choose – PLEASE RSVP to Thomas -On July 12 meeting, NEPMCC will also decide if award plaques/certificates will actually be presented at a later event with the Lt. Governor (see below) -Award applications must be sent in by June 30, 2004.  Applications can be downloaded of www.nepmcc.ca   NEPMCC Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, the Hon. James K. Bartleman -Thomas has invited the Lt. Governor for a meeting on Friday, September 17 at Queen's Park.  This may be an opportunity to make special presentations with the Lt. Governor and the premier.  It is unclear who will attend from the federal government.   Discussion of visit by the Prime Minister Paul Martin -Date: June 18, 2004 @ 3 pm,  Four Points Sheraton Hotel (Mississauga) -Suggested NEPMCC members submit questions to a committee so the group can avoid repetition and discuss a range of topics with the PM -Some members disagreed with submitting questions because they worried about censorship and not being able address issues raised in PM's speech -After much discussion, members agreed to email some ideas to Thomas   Other business -Hon. Judy Sgro (Citizenship/Immigration) sent a letter stating that her ministry will not provide funding to NEPMCC -National Library of Canada sent receipt to Thomas Saras/NEPMCC for last year's materials -Thomas notes that after federal election he will advocate to governments for funding; he has already appealed to premier for money from $5000 hospitality fund -Max and Anne brought NEPMCC business cards – cost $30/member.  Thomas paid Max and NEPMCC members must reimburse the NEPMCC. -Sympathy to Max who lost his mother.   Thomas expressed sympathy and support on behalf of NEPMCC and the group observed a moment of silence in her honour.   4. Philippine Reporter – Appeal for Jeffrey Reodica -Appeal by publishers of the Philippine Reporter (NEPMCC members) to the organization for support in the case of Jeffrey Reodica, 17, who was fatally shot by police.  For the first time, the Filipino community and the media are uniting to demand truth and justice so they can have a full and accurate account of the circumstances surrounding Jeffrey’s death.  According to several articles published in the Philippine Reporter, eye witnesses contest important aspects of the incident as reported in the mainstream media.  The SIU (Special Investigations Unit) is looking into the case and the Filipino community wants a public inquiry.  A petition from the community was circulated to the NEPMCC members. Max Wynter asked that sympathy be expressed on behalf of NEPMCC to the family and that the NEPMCC also advocates for accountability in this case. Motion by Thomas Saras, NEPMCC president: The NEPMCC will adopt a campaign on behalf of the Filipino community and request from the municipal and provincial government a full inquest for full disclosure of incidents leading to Jeffrey Reodica’s death.   The NEPMCC will also post an open letter on their website on this matter and the letter will be forwarded to the premier, the mayor and chief of police.   Motion seconded by Mr. Hassan.  Carried.   Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. Next meeting: Monday, July 12, 2004 @ 6pm.   Boardroom #2, Main legislative building, Queen's Park