National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada held its first monthly meeting of the year 2007 on 8th of January, in Boardroom # 230 of the Main legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto On. 6 p.m.
The following members were present:
Thomas S. Saras Dr. Bikram Lamba Iraj Emad Josivaldo Rodigues Teshome Woldeamanuel Dr. Mohamed Tajdolati Viaz Salimi Ahmed Shas Hotaki Neel Nanda Trifon Haitas Massood Mashadi Johnson Chang Tania Nuttall Alamgir Hussain Irene Keroglidis Dumitru Popescu Shabnam Janani Maryam Aghvami Naganamy Longendralingan Kathy Lin Hai Tien Lin Danielle Zhu John Saraidaris Emily Mills Enzo Di Mauro Valeri Romanov Jan Jekielek Clyde McNeil Sharifa Khan
Absent: Mona Feng Hasan Yilmaz Kenrick Bob
Agenda: 1. Opening remarks by the Chair 2. Minutes of previous Meeting 3. President's Report/Discussions 4. Get Together Event January 26, 2007 5. New Business 6. End of the meeting
Opening Remarks by the Chair.
The meeting called to order by the Chairman.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Dr. Bikram Lamba proposed the approval of minutes of the last meeting. The proposal by seconded by Mr. Iraj Ahmed. There were no objections or comments, and the minutes were approved.
President's Report:
Mr. Thomas Saras, President of the NEPMCC , thereafter, presented his report. He informed that there were some snags in the allotment of the office in the City hall. On 27th December, he had received a contract for the office. But there was a change. Instead of assured enclosed office, the Council was allotted a place in the open area, described as shared area. Moreover there was a levy of $ 17/sq. ft. He was unhappy and told the officials that he would report back to the Council and seek their mandate. The president was of the opinion that this open space should not be accepted, as it goes counter to the assurance of the Mayor. He has met the Mayor in the connection. Then, he referred to the reception held by the leader of opposition. He intimated that while most of the members had attended the reception by Premier, not many had attended Mr. Tory’s reception. This was not acceptable, as the council members should make their presence felt everywhere. As Journalists, the president said, the members are not involved in partisan politics, and they should honour any invitation extended to this organization by all political leaders. Then he referred to his talks with Heritage Canada. The Senior Vice Presidents, Massood Mashadi and Maryam Aghvani, accompanied him. Ms. Sharifa Khan the president of Balmoral marketing, was also there as the official marketer of the Council. The discussions were successful and Heritage Canada graciously agreed to fund courses on Journalism by the Council. Balmoral was to be the co coordinating agency. This financial support for educational training programs would be very useful.
The President then informed that he had been approached by Kuwait Airlines who desire to launch a promotional campaign. He would inform any further development. Thereafter he intimated the discussions with Prime Minister’s office. He read out the letters that he had written to the prime Minister’s office and also to Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada. However he commented that only 51 newspapers responded when he asked for their written statement that they have not received advertisements. And if only 51 papers out of more than 400 do not receive advertisement, it can’t be called discrimination. He said that as journalists it is our duty and we should fight for justice and equality. He informed about the social arranged for 26th Jan, and till then only 10 persons had committed to join. This was harming the tradition.
The President also informed that the leader of Opposition, Mr. Stephane Dion will meet the members of the Council on 10 January 2007, at 2 pm at Sutton Place Hotel. He asked the members to be present for the question and answer session. Then he referred to the Year Book of the organization, stating that they could not publish it last year. The Year Book is an excellent promotional tool, as it shall be in all libraries and members should profile themselves, their papers and their communities. March 31 was the last date for submission of profiles for this year’s edition, which is to be brought out in July. The articles must be sent directly to Dr. Lamba at
or
There was break for 10 minutes to enable members to purchase tickets for the get together event planet for January 26, 2007 at the Cypriot Community Centre, at 6 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto East. After the break The Chairman, called for comments and questions. The members of the Council were all supportive of the actions of President; and the Council unanimously passed a resolution. The resolution proposed by Dr. Lamba and seconded by Mr. Hotaki, “called for the support of the President and authorized him to take any step he deems fit.” It was also informed that Ms Luba Cherny, shall arrange live music and entertainment. Also informed the members that the chief Guest for the night expected to be Mr. Stephane Dion, the newly elected leader of the federal Liberal party. However this was not confirmed as yet, but according to his information was likely that Mr. Dion will be the main Speaker of the event.
The president reported that the members would enjoy a perfect night with a variety of food for the needs of every culture and cuisine. He also asked the members with requests for special food to call him at 426- 921 4229 or 416- 996 4229 and inform him so he can make the necessary arrangements.
It was clarified that e-newsletters and e magazines are still not accepted as media by the federal Government advertising agency. Emily Mills, from CTV informed the Council to let her know about the stories, as she promoted ethnic communities. She provided her phone no and also informed that her contract with CTV shall expire in April of 2007. The president asked her to inform the Council if she wants any support in her drive for renewal and promised her to do his best.
The chair of the January event, Alamgir Hussain, informed the members that more than 200 tickets for the event, already have been blocked by the members and asked for the rest of the members interested in attending to notify him as soon as possible, before the rest of the free tickets purchased by others. He said that his priority is to serve the members first and non-members only if space permits. For this reason Mr. Hussain asked that members without a ticket should call him at 416- 439 2803, or Irene Keroglidis at 416- 757 6773, to inform them about their intentions to attend.
The motion was made to adjourn the meeting Irene made the motion and it was seconded by Masood. The Chairman then adjourned the meeting.
