PICTURES FROM OUR ANNUAL GET TOGETHER EVENT, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025 AT THE HUNGARIAN CULTURAL CENTRE.
Author: jsaras
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on October 20, 2025
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 20 MEETING 2025
National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada
Minutes of October 20, 2025, online meeting
Time: 18:00 (06:00pm)
Location: Online (Zoom) meeting
Chair: Dr. Mohammad Tajdolati
Minute taker: Maria Voutsinas
Participants: 48
| A | J | Roberto Hausman |
| A. R. Nathan | Joe Volpe
John News*8 Jennifer Zhu |
|
| Anfisa Lyasola | K | S |
| Arif Ahmed | Kathy Gerasklis | Shahidul Mintu |
| Ayubowan Srilanka
Bill Fatsis |
Kathy L. L. Lin | Susana Donan |
| C | Sima Gharrarzadeh | |
| Cittadino Canadese
Basilio Giordano |
L | |
| D | Lankathas Pathmanathan | Sukumar – The Tamil Journal |
| Demetris Vohaitis | Liisa Qureshi | Syed Hassan |
| Denis Poirier | T | |
| Dimitris Papadopoulos
Deborah Shatz |
M | Tamilexpress |
| Dr. Mohammad Tajdolati | M. B. Samimi | Thomas S. Saras |
| E | ||
| Maria Saras-Voutsinas | W | |
| Elsayed Nasr | Max Zhou | Weera Fonseca |
| Ernesto | Y | |
| Eugenia Blachinow | N
Ned Blair |
Yuebing Hu
Yohannes |
| G | Yuri Natchetoi | |
| Ghulam Rasool
George Bakoyannis Gezahgen |
R
Rue Bains Ragee |
Z |
| Zuhair | ||
| I
Isabel Inclan |
Zolen Georgievska | |
Guest of the evening: Martine Laverne- Acting Manager Canada Periodical Fund
1. Call to order
At 18:08 (06:08 pm) the meeting was called to order.
The Chair of the meeting, Dr. Mohamad Tajdolati, did the opening and the welcoming remarks.
2. Approval of the agenda
Motion to approve Agenda: Yuri Natchetoi
Seconded by: Joe Volpe
Outcome: Approved as all participants were in favour
3. Approval of previous meeting minutes
Reference date of previous meeting:
Corrections/Amendments: None
Motion to approve: Anfisa Lyasota
Seconded by: Dimitri Papadopoulos
Outcome: Approved as all participants were in favour
4. Matters arising from previous minutes
None
5. Agenda items
Martine announced that the Special Measures for Journalism Fund is open online and encouraged everyone to apply.
Mr. Saras and Joe Volpe expressed their frustrations with the rules of the Program. It was decided that we will take our concerns to the Minister.
6. Holiday Party
The Holiday Party will take place on Friday December 12, 2025 at the Hungarian Cultural Centre. Ticket price has been confirmed for $70/person.
Mr. Saras encouraged everyone to submit nominations for awards by early November 2025.
6. Next meeting
Date and Time: Monday, November 10,, 2025 at 6:00pm (18:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada).
Location: Zoom meeting.
7. Adjournment
Motion to approve adjournment: Joe Volpe
Seconded by: Yuri Natchetoi
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on September 08, 2025
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on September 08, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Rupinder Rue Hayer-Bains
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Margaret Bonikowska
Abi Kethees
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Zuhair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- Presentation by Ritesh Kotak Cyber Security Strategist, Lawyer, Tech Entrepreneur
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of August 11, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman
moved a motion to approve the agenda. Yuri Natchetoi seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Yuri Natchetoi moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Dimitri Papadopoulos seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of September 08, 2025.
- The participation at the CNE was a remarkable success. He thanked everyone who worked hard towards its success
- President Thomas Saras met with the federal officials in Ottawa, about funds and budget for ethnic media.
- President Thomas Saras reached out to the office of the Prime Minister and members of various standing committees in Canadian Parliament.
- President Thomas Saras is preparing a report on the needs and challenges of the ethnic media industry which would be sent to the Federal Government.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that there is a new government Federally, and there may be short delays in getting funding under various programs. The LJI may be extended by 6 months. President Thomas Saras informed that LJI program may start with a few amendments. More information will be circulated about the payment cycle once we get an official confirmation from the Government.
- Annual Get-together – President Thomas Saras suggested that the annual event be held on December 12 at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre. Guests would have to confirm their attendance and participation via email. More information will be provided before the next monthly meeting.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- Thomas Saras informed the members that the LJI program initially will be for 6 months. The internship program is on hold for now and there will be information once more updates are received from the Ministry.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned that anyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google on the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
Presentation by Ritesh Kotak Cyber Security Strategist, Lawyer, Tech Entrepreneur.
Ritesh Kotak, a cyber security expert, attended the meeting and shared his insights on emerging technologies and their impact on everyday life. Ritesh graduated with a BBA from the University of Toronto and has an extensive background in both public and private sectors. He began his career in policing, working with two police agencies in Canada and participating in several international assignments. During his eight-year tenure, he co-led the creation of the Cyber-Crimes unit and the Research and Innovation portfolio, focusing on digital transformation and emerging technology.
Ritesh then transitioned to the private sector, collaborating with various Fortune 500 Tech companies on global projects related to Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, and Emerging Tech. During the meeting, he discussed the ethical dilemmas associated with using AI tools and how AI can improve efficiency and productivity when utilized correctly. His presentation was eye-opening and sparked engaging discussions among the members. Key points raised included the importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment and strategies for leveraging technology to promote inclusion and efficiency.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need to stay informed about technological advancements and their potential impacts.
Members actively participated in discussions following Ritesh’s presentation, exploring the implications of emerging technologies and AI in their respective fields. Members expressed appreciation for Ritesh’s valuable insights and looked forward to future discussions on similar topics.
Dimitri Papadopoulos, Neel Nanda, Hon. Joe Volpe, Maria Saras Voutsinas, Liisa Qureshi and others participated in the discussions followed by the presentation.
Presentation by Madalyn Calzavara – Executive Director, Legislative Affairs, Community and Public Policy Advocate, Ontario Liberal Party
She invited members to AGM of Ontario Liberal Party. The Ontario Liberal Party’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a significant event where party members gather to discuss policy, elect new executives, and set the party’s strategic direction for the future. The AGM is a crucial platform for the party to address its internal dynamics and plan for the upcoming elections. The 2025 AGM will take place from September 12 to September 14, 2025, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, and will include various sessions and activities such as local matters in education, grassroots engagement, and the election of new party executives. The AGM is expected to be a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to rebuild and renew its movement following recent electoral challenges.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices. More information will be available in next the meeting.
Hon. Joe Volpe emphasized of getting a printing machine for NEPMCC for the common cause of the members of the NEPMCC. There were various discussions on NEPMCC owning a printing machine for the benefit of all members. The council will form a committee made of a few members interested in cost benefit analysis in obtaining a printing machine and come back with a few recommendations after doing their research.
Adjournment: George Guzmas moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Yuri Natchetoi seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on October 20, 2025, via Zoom.
The above minutes of September 08,2025 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on August 11, 2025
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on August 11, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Rupinder Rue Hayer-Bains
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Margaret Bonikowska
Abi Kethees
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Zuhair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- Presentation by Ben Chhiba – Graduate Student Intern City of Mississauga
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of August 11, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman
Nishantha Don Siyambalapitiyage moved a motion to approve the agenda. George Guzmas seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Yuri Natchetoi moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and George Guzmas seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of August 11, 2025.
- President Thomas Saras met with the federal officials in Ottawa, regarding funds and budget for ethnic media.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that there is a new government Federally, and there may be short delays in getting funding under various programs. The LJI may be extended by 6 months. President Thomas Saras informed that LJI program may start with a few amendments. More information will be circulated about the payment cycle once we get an official confirmation from the Government.
- CNE President Thomas Saras informed the members that the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth will take place on August 16. Members were urged to bring twenty-five copies of their publications, including their three best editorials.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has booked a booth at the CNE. The booth will be in the same location as of the previous years, next to the International Stage in Hall B of the Enercare Centre. There will be a reception for the members attending at the Green Café Beer Garden followed by the ribbon cutting opening ceremony of the booth.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- Thomas Saras informed the members that the LJI program initially will be for 6 months. The internship program is on hold for now and there will be information once more updates are received from the Ministry.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned thatanyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google regarding the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
Presentation by Ben Chhiba – Graduate Student Intern, City of Mississauga
Ben Chhiba is leading the development of a multilingual media engagement strategy to help the City of Mississauga better reach residents who speak non-official languages. This includes outreach to ethnic media, preparing a final report and supporting a multilingual staff roster for future translation needs. He hopes to get input from the members of the council and requested all the members to share their opinions via a survey. The link is below.
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/4ecc071ba78b42219121f3587bf35f73
Hon Joe Volpe, George Guzmas, Liisa Qureshi, Neel Nanda and other members participated in the discussions and gave their opinions on this project.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices. More information will be available in the meeting in September.
Maria Saras-Voutsinas asked members to email her regarding the number of tickets, each member requires for the CNE. She emphasized that the tickets are meant for the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth at the CNE on August 16
Adjournment: George Guzmas moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Yuri Natchetoi seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on September 08, 2025, via Zoom.
The above minutes of August 11,2025 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
CNE 2025
We are thrilled to celebrate our 38th year of participation in the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), one of Canada’s most renowned and historic fairs. Over the decades, we have proudly contributed to the vibrancy and excitement of this iconic event, engaging with countless visitors and showcasing our dedication to the community. As we look forward to another memorable year at the CNE, we remain committed to bringing the best of our offerings to this grand Canadian tradition
-
- Το πολιτιστικό χορευτικό συγκρότημα “Λεβεντιά” αποθανατίζει την χορευτική του εμφάνιση στην Εθνική Καναδική Έκθεση στο περίπτερο του Συμβουλίου Συντακτών του Εθνοτικού Τύπου του Καναδά
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on July 14, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on July 14, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Rupinder Rue Hayer-Bains
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Margaret Bonikowska
Abi Kethees
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Zuhair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of July 14, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the agenda. Dimitri Papadopolous seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Dimitri Papadopolous moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Rupinder Roberto Hausman seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of July 14, 2025.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that there is a new government Federally, and there may be short delays in getting funding under various programs. The LJI may be extended by 6 months. President Thomas Saras informed that LJI program may start with a few amendments. More information will be circulated about the payment cycle once we get an official confirmation from the Government.
- CNE President Thomas Saras informed the members that the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth will take place on August 18. Members were urged to send 50 copies of their publications including their best three editorials before the start of the CNE.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has booked a booth at the CNE. The booth will be in the same location as of the previous yea, next to the International Stage.
- New Board of Directors. The List of the new Board for Directors for 2025- 2027 was mailed to all the members after the elections earlier this year.
- Summer Gathering: There were various discussions on having an outing with members of NEPMCC and their families either with boat a cruise or a picnic near Lake Huron. President Thomas Saras mentioned that cost of the boat cruise for 4 hours will not be less than $20,000. If members agree to go to a boat cruise it will cost approx. $100 per person including food. Alternatively, it was suggested that we could all go by a group bus to one of the parks in Ontario and have a barbeque picnic which will be lower in costs than arranging for a boat cruise. Many members suggested their ideas. Hon Joe Volpe suggested that if we do decide to go on a cruise evening is better at it will be pleasant and give a breathtaking view of the sunset and the beautiful surroundings of Lake Ontario. Maria Saras-Voutsinas suggested that we keep the outing in September since we have CNE during August and arranging it in September will allow us to plan better after finding out how many members are interested in joining with their families.
.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- Thomas Saras informed the members that the LJI program initially will be for 6 months beginning from April to September. The internship program is on hold for now and there will be information once more updates are received from the Ministry.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that Educational Seminar will be held next year. The office of the President of NEPMCC is working towards the educational seminar and more updates will be provided after finalizing the planning.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned that anyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google regarding the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices.
Maria Saras-Voutsinas mentioned that the office of the NEPMCC will also send out emails to members confirming about their interest and participation in an outing in September.
Adjournment: Roberto Hausman moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Sukumar Balasubramaniam seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on August 10, 2025, via Zoom.
The above minutes of July 14,2025 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on June 09, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on June 09, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Rupinder Rue Hayer-Bains
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Margaret Bonikowska
Abi Kethees
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Zuhair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- Presentation by Erica Vella and Sean Davidson Senior Advisor Media Relations- Toronto Pearson International Airport Greater Toronto Airport Authority GTAA
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of June 09, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the agenda. Dimitri Papadopolous seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Hon joe Volpe moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Rupinder Rue Hayer-Bains seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of June 09, 2025.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that there is a new government Federally, and there may be short delays in getting funding under various programs. The LJI may be extended by 6 months. President Thomas Saras informed that LJI program may start with a few amendments. More information will be circulated about the payment cycle once we get an official confirmation from the Government.
- President Thomas Saras informed that Ontario government might allocate funds to ethnic publications based in Ontario.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has booked a booth at the CNE. The booth will be in the same location as of the previous year.
- He informed that members who applied and qualified for Special measures for Journalism under Canadian Periodical Fund will start receiving their payment soon.
- New Board of Directors. The List of the new Board for Directors for 2025- 2027 was mailed to all the members.
- Motion: President Thomas Saras suggested of having a cruise to Niagara Falls on a weekend in August. There were discussions on this. The motion was unanimously passed to have a cruise for the members and their family in one of the weekends of August. Isa Melo volunteered to get more information in arranging a cruise. President Thomas Saras suggested to form a committee with members who are interested in joining Isa Melo, Maris Sars-Voutsinas and others to be a part of this committee.
.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- Thomas Saras informed the members that due to the upcoming elections the LJI program initially will be for 6 months beginning from April to September. The internship program is on hold for now and there will be information once the new Government takes over in the Federal Elections.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
- Motion: President Thomas Saras reminded the members of a previous resolution where it was decided to allocate funds to members who are working on the committees LJI and Educations Seminar. Ernesto Donan moved the motion supporting the above, seconded by Dimitri Papdopolous. The motion was unanimously carried.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that Educational Seminar will be held next year. The office of the President of NEPMCC is working towards the educational seminar and more updates will be provided after finalizing the planning.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned that anyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google regarding the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
Presentation by Erica Vella and Sean Davidson Senior Advisor Media Relations- Toronto Pearson International Airport Greater Toronto Airport Authority GTAA
The chair invited the delegation from GTAA media relations to make their presentation.
About the GTAA:
The GTAA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive airport where everyone can grow and thrive. To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process the GTAA has implemented the use of Textio, which ensures the use of inclusive language by eliminating biases in our job posters and to empower our leaders to give fair and actionable feedback by being inclusive in an equitable way. Toronto Pearson is more than an airport. It is a transportation cornerstone, an economic driver, an innovation incubator, and an integral part of the supply chain for the critical goods that Canadians rely on every day. It is also the front door to Canada for millions of visitors and newcomers. That is why it is always working to fuel success in our region now and into the future. Toronto Pearson is Canada’s largest airport in terms of total passenger traffic and North America’s second largest in terms of international traffic. With daily non-stop flights to many of the world’s economies, it moves people and goods across the country, the continent and around the globe.
Following the presentation, there, were discussions on a wide range of topics like increasing traffic, preparedness to host the FIFA world Cup and so on.
Dimitri Papadopolous, Lanathas Patmanathan, Sean Pickford, Kathy Geskalis, Arif Ahmed, Geoorge Guzmas and others participated in the group discussions and asked pertinent questions to the delegation from GTAA.
The delegation encouraged all members to reach out for any story and convey the mandate of GTAA to its auidence.
.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices.
Hon. Volpe highlighted that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the body overseeing the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) initiative, had made considerable progress. However, he noted the following complications: Members who had not applied or believed they were eligible to apply were required to submit applications again. Eligibility for funding does not guarantee acceptance for 2025; those who miss this opportunity may have to wait until subsequent years. He urged members to vote for A7 for Hon. Volpe and A2 with Mr. Saras on February 24
Adjournment: Yubing Zhu moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Hon Joe Volpe seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, July 14 ,2025, via Zoom.
The above notes from the minutes of June 09, 2025, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on May 12, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on May 12, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Margaret Bonikowska
Abi Kethees
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Zuhair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- Presentation by Clayton Campbell -President, Toronto Police Association
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of May 12, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the agenda. Dimitri Papadopolous seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Yuri Natchetoi moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Lankathas seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of May 12, 2025.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that there is a new government Federally, and there may be short delays in getting funding under various programs. The LJI may be extended by 6 months. President Thomas Saras informed that LJI program may start with a few amendments. More information will be circulated about the payment cycle once we get an official confirmation from the Government.
- President Thomas Saras invited everyone to the Newcomers Day on May 28 at the City Hall. NEPMCC will have a booth on the Newcomers Day at City Hall from 10 to 3.
- President Thomas Saras informed that Ontario government might allocate funds to ethnic publications based in Ontario.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has booked a booth at the CNE. The booth will be in the same location as of the previous year.
- He informed that members who applied and qualified for Special measures for Journalism under Canadian Periodical Fund will start receiving their payment soon.
- New Board of Directors. The List of the new Board for Directors for 2025- 2027 was mailed to all the members.
.
- He mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President Thomas Saras informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- Thomas Saras informed the members that due to the upcoming elections the LJI program initially will be for 6 months beginning from April to September. The internship program is on hold for now and there will be information once the new Government takes over in the Federal Elections.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
- Motion: President Thomas Saras reminded the members of a previous resolution where it was decided to allocate funds to members who are working on the committees LJI and Educations Seminar. Ernesto Donan moved the motion supporting the above, seconded by Dimitri Papdopolous. The motion was unanimously carried.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that Educational Seminar will be held next year. The office of the President of NEPMCC is working towards the educational seminar and more updates will be provided after finalizing the planning.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned that anyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google regarding the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
Presentation by Clayton Campbell -President, Toronto Police Association
Meghan Gray – Chief Communications Officer
The TPA represents more than 8,000 police & civilian members of the
Toronto Police Service. We are a professional labour organization dedicated to advancing the interests of our members through education, political action & legislative advocacy. The TPA operates in an open, ethical & professional manner & strives to promote professionalism & accountability within the ranks of our members. Our foremost priority is the wellbeing of our members & the communities we serve. We are committed to providing effective, efficient & courteous service & to building safer communities. Our highly trained & motivated members do an extraordinary job in keeping Toronto is one of the safest cities in North America.
TPA is governed by a board of nine serving uniform & civilian police members, who make key decisions on behalf of the membership. In addition to their constitutional duties, the board is actively involved in priority setting, strategic planning, policy development, financial oversight & political engagement.
Lankathas, Sean Pickford Logan Manan Gupta, Kathy, Isabel Inclan, Hon Joe Volpe, George Guzmas, Elman Poor Ali, and others participated in the discussions followed by the brief presentation.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices.
Zuhair Alshaaer – invited members of NEPMCC to the Arab Business Festival to be held in Ottawa from June 20- June 22.
Hon. Volpe highlighted that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the body overseeing the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) initiative, had made considerable progress. However, he noted the following complications: Members who had not applied or believed they were eligible to apply were required to submit applications again. Eligibility for funding does not guarantee acceptance for 2025; those who miss this opportunity may have to wait until subsequent years. He urged members to vote for A7 for Hon. Volpe and A2 with Mr. Saras on February 24
Adjournment: Kathy Geskalis moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Hon Joe Volpe seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, June 09 ,2025, via Zoom.
The above notes from the minutes of May 12, 2025, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
PRESS FREEDOM Day 2025
SPEECH BY THOMAS S. SARAS, ON THE PRESS FREEDOM Day 2025
Dear friends, Brothers and Sisters in the Canadian Ethnic Press, First of all I want to thank you for being with us tonight, to celebrate the life and struggles of our brothers and sisters, our comrades in our struggles for justice and democracy and the protection of innocent non compact people.
2024, is a record-breaking year for press killings fueled largely by the Israel-Gaza war.
From the statistics of the CPJ we do have for last year 2024
Total number of journalists/ media workers killed worldwide 124 for 113
Total number of work-related journalists killing 103 against 81 before
Highest number of press members killed
By a single country in a year. (Israel) 85 2024 78 2023
Number of Palestinian Journalists/Media
Workers killed 82 2024 75 2023
Number of freelancers killed 43 2024, 24 previously
Among those numbers also included the journalists that murdered by the states as follows:
Haiti 2, India 1, Iraq 2, Israel 10, Mexico 1, Mozambique 1, Myanmar 3, Pakistan 3, Sudan 1.
Besides, in the compiled list of the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Women’s Media Foundation and the Reporters Without Borders 361 journalist s were behind Bars worldwide at the end of 2024.
This number is up from 320 the number of 2023.
Today the list is referring to
JIMMY LAI, of (HONG KONG)
Since December of 2020 Jimmy Lai Ghee-ying has been jailed in solitary confinement in a Hong Kong maximum security prison. He is 77 year old media entrepreneur. According to his son he jailed for “his dedication to freedom, they have taken his away. For his bravery in standing in defense of others, they (the authorities), have denied him human contact.
SHIN DAEWE (Myanmar)
Award-Winning documentary filmmaker Shin Daewe was ordered a life sentence in 2024 on charges of illegal possession of an unregistered drine, she was ordered and received on line.
FRENCHIE MAE CUMPIO (Philippines).
Have been held in pretrial detention for five years. She was arrested by the authorities on charges of illegal firearms possession and terrorism financing, charges denied by her.
PHAM DOAN TRANG (VIETNAM)
Vietnamese author, journalist and activist Phan Doan Trang, 45 arrested in 2020 and accused of anti-state propaganda.
IHAR LOSIK (BELARUS)
Freeland journalist for Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty Belarus Service was detained in June 2020 in advance of Belarus elections of August. He was tried on Charges including organization of mass riots and incitement to hatred.
SEVINJ VAGIFGIZII, (AZEDRBAIZAN
Since 2023, Azerbaijan has implemented a major crackdown on independent press, criminally charging at least 16 journalists including Sevinj, the editor in chief of anticorruption investigative outlet Abzas Media.
BLADYSLAV YESYPENKO (RUSSIA)
Is one of at least 18 Ukrainian journalists from the occupied Crimea being held in Russia on politically motivated charges.
LI YANHE ( CHINA )
China remains the world’s leading jailer of journalists, holding at least 150 behind bars according to RSF and CPJ reporting in December of 2024.
Among them is Taiwan-based radio host and publisher Li Yanhe who was arrested two years ago during a trip to Shanghai.
MAKHABAT TAJIBEK KZY, AZAMAT ISHENBEKOV, AIKE BEISHAKEYEVA, (KYRGYZSTAN)
In February, Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Court confirmed sentences against three journalists for charges of calling for mass unrest, claiming they were spreading false information and calling for riots. According to Amnesty International.
JOAKIM MEDIN (TURKEY)
Joakim Madin, is a special correspondent for the Swedish newspaper ETC. He has been held in a high-security prison in Silivri, Turkey by authorities of the dictator Erdogan of this Country. He was arrested earlier in Konstantinoupolis (known as Istanbul), whwile traveling to report on civil unrest in the city and was accused of insulting the dictator president of the country Recept Tayyip Erdogan, and also that he is belonging to an armed terrorist organization .
This is the main way the authorities in this country are arresting journalists that are reporting the truth and only the truth,
Thank you
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on February 10, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on February 10, 2025, at City Hall, via Zoom
Present/Attendees
Thomas S. Saras
Mohammad Tajdolati
Neel Nanda
Maria Saras-Voutsinas
Rosemary Sadlier
Ricky Castellvi
George Guzman
Bill Fastis
Nishantha Don
Hon. Basilio Giordano
George Bakoyiannis
Dimitri Papadopoulos
AR Nathan
Arif Ahmed
Zenaida Ferry
Ravi
Ranjit Wicks
Hermie Garcia
Ghulam Rasool
Manan Gupta
Elsayed Nasr
Khalid Hamid
Thanasis Kourtesis
John Saraidaris
Ernesto Donan
Martha Pinzon
Nishantha Don
Bridgette Fontille
Sukumar Tamil Journal
Roberto Hausman
Jonathan Annobil
Emmanuel Ayiku
Mohammad Bagher Samimi
Kathy Gerasklis
Rick Esquerra
Mila Garcia
Medhat Oweida
Syed Hasson
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Shahidul Mintu
Lui Queano
Denis Poirier
Jennifer Zhu
Hon. Joe Volpe
Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Leila Monteiro Lins
Deborah Shatz
Gezahegn Mekonnen
Daniela Spirlac
Lankathas Pathmanathan
Susana Donan
Kethes Kumar
Michael Li
Shail Prasad
Essie
Veronica Cusi
Ragee Arasaratnam
Fiza Syeda
Yuri Natchetoi
Khalid Hamid
Michale Li
Maria Swietorzecki
Lucy Yang
Elsayed Nasr
George Guzmas
MB Samimi
Susana Donan
Neel Nanda
Mohammad Tajdolati
Olga Kaleev
AR Nathan
Ragee
Nishantha Don
Ayuban SriLanka
Basilio Giordano
Manan Gupta
Ernesto Donan
Kathy Lin
Sima Ghaffarzadeh
Denis Poirier
Ghanian News
Fiza Syeda
Rue Hayer-Bains
Leila Monteiro- Lins
Eugenia Bakchinow
Ghulam Rasool
Ranjith Wicks
Kathy Gerasklis
Hermie Garcia
Luba Cherny
Helen Wang
Taso Chatzitheofanou
Sean Pickard
Jonathan Annobil
Said Henry
(Names as per Zoom)
Mila Garcia
Goyum
Tausif
Zuhair Alshaaer
MB Samimi
Gonzalo Cooper
Thomas Saras
Ragee Arasaratnam
Mohammad Tajdolati
Ned Blair
Helen Wang
Dimitri Papadopoulos
Pooyan Tabatabaei
Elsayed Nasr
Margaret Bonikowska
Ernesto Donan
Susana Donan
Yuri Natchetoi
Deborah Shatz
Roberto Hausman
Tamil Journal
Olga Kileev
Neel Nanda
Hermie Garcia
Kathy Gerasklis
Rosemary Sadlier
Shahidul Mintu
George Guzmas
Basilio Giordano
Logan Logendralingam
John- CCTimes
Lucy Lyang
Elena Iliadi
Houman
Kamal Nava
Ayubowan SriLanka
Liisa Qureshi
AR Nathan
Martha Pinzon
Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
Ghulam Rasool
Jennifer Zhu
Syed Hassan
Shail Persaud
Ramsankr Sivanathan
Agenda of the day:
- Welcome Remarks by the chair.
- Minutes of the previous meeting
- President’s Report/Discussions
- Presentation by Hon. Stephen Lecce, former Provincial Minister of Energy and electrification and PC MPP candidate for King-Vaughn
- Presentation by Hon. Bonnie Crombie -Leader of Ontario Liberal Party and former Mayor of Mississauga
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of January 20, 2025, and declared the meeting open. Nishantha Don moved a motion to approve the agenda. Dimitri Papadopolous seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Dimitri Papadopolous moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Bill Fastis seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of February 10, 2025.
- President, informed that Ontario government might allocate funds to ethnic publications based in Ontario.
- He mentioned that printing costs are rising and many printing companies are shutting down due to increasing costs. He suggested that with the available funds with NEPMCC and a bank loan, NEPMCC could buy a machine for printing newspapers. Hon Joe Volpe suggested of creating committee for setting up the purchase for the printing machinery and equipment.
- President, informed members that he is hoping that federal Government will improve Aid to Publishers Program and increase Federal Government Advertising.
- He mentioned that the internship program is ongoing. The council has received ninety applications.
- Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
- President, informed the members of the International Press Freedom Day to be celebrated on the first week of May. Motion International Press Freedom Day to be celebrated on May 02, 2025. The motion was unanimously carried.
- Thomas Saras met with the ministry of Canadian Heritage on various programs like LJI, PAP. There may be consolidation of various programs and organizations. President Thomas Saras will again visit the ministry in March to revisit certain rules governing certain federal programs for ethnic publications.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned about the upcoming Educational Seminar. He said a survey will be send out to members to a need analysis of the courses that members would like to take during the educational seminar.
- Motion: President Thomas Saras reminded the members of a previous resolution where it was decided to allocate funds to members who are working on the committees LJI and Educations Seminar. Ernesto Donan moved the motion supporting the above, seconded by Dimitri Papdopolous. The motion was unanimously carried.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC will working towards creating a foundation for the members who need help during a crisis.
- President Thomas Saras encouraged everyone to apply for the student internship program and LJI.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that Educational Seminar will be held next year. The office of the President of NEPMCC is working towards the educational seminar and more updates will be provided after finalizing the planning.
- President Thomas Saras informed the members that any members receiving funds from either LJI or Aid to Publications should declare that they have received funding funds from the Government of Canada. He also mentioned that anyone authoring an article under LJI should acknowledge that he is a LJI reporter.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that in person meeting at City Hall will resume once broadcasting from City Hall will be permitted by technological requirements. President Thomas Saras wants `the meeting to be accessible to members in all parts of Canada.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that NEPMCC has been trying hard to negotiate a better deal from Google regarding the compensation for the members of the ethnic media industry.
- Members of NEPMCC receive numerous benefits and for NEPMCC to continue supporting its members, it is necessary for members to pay their membership fees on time.
- Naga Logendralingam suggested that we should honour journalists who have lost their lives for the cause of the freedom of the press. Hon. Joe Volpe suggested that this should be brought to the attention of the committee.
- There were various discussions on the method of payment of Annual Membership fees as some members suggested e-transfer and other methods of payments. After various consultation it was decided to keep the existing payment method of payment of Annual Membership fees via cheque mailed to the office of NEPMCC
Presentation by Hon. Stephen Lecce, former Provincial Minister of Energy and electrification and PC MPP candidate for King-Vaughn
Stephen’s first experience in politics was in his hometown of Vaughan, involved in the 1999 election of the late MPP Al Palladini. Since then, he has served as the Chief spokesperson for former Prime Minister, the Honourable Stephen Harper, as Deputy Government House Leader, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. Hon Stephen Lecce served as the longest Education Minister since the late Bette Stephenson, serving for nearly five years. In the most recent Ontario Cabinet, he was the Minister of Energy and Electrification. As Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen has kept energy bills down for residents and businesses across Ontario, while expanding one of the cleanest grids in the world with reliable and affordable energy.
During his address to the council, he highlighted the following key approaches:
- Team Canada approach
- We need to wake up and encourage more business in Canada
- We need to protect the job of every Ontarians and Canadians.
Bill Fastis, Said Henry, Lankathas Pathmanathan, Rue, Manan Gupta and others pertinent questions affecting the people of Ontario. Hon. Stepehen Lecce candidly answered all questions raised by the members of NEPMCC.
Presentation by Hon. Bonnie Crombie -Leader of Ontario Liberal Party and former Mayor of Mississauga
The chair introduced Hon. Bonnie Crombie to the meeting.
Bonnie’s life story is proof that hard work should pay off and that, in Ontario, anything is possible. Her Polish mother and grandparents taught her the values of hard work and community. A successful business leader and entrepreneur, Bonnie is also a proud mother of three. As Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie implemented a progressive vision to build a thriving city and to carefully manage the budget. She was elected three times in landslide victories. Bonnie also served as an MP and city councillor.
Hon. Bonnie Crombie’s policy has the following highlights
Guarantee everyone a family doctor in four years, ensure mental healthcare is covered under OHIP, and support seniors to age with dignity. Slash taxes, saving you thousands annually by permanently cutting income tax for Ontario workers and eliminating sales tax (HST) on home heating and hydro bills. Build more homes you can afford by eliminating development charges, restoring the dream of homeownership, and bringing fairness back to the rental market. Permanently double ODSP so Ontario’s most vulnerable are not left behind. Clear the school repair backlog, keep kids and educators safe at school, and provide education that prepares Ontario for the future.
Hon Bonnie Crombie then opened the floor for questions.
Said Henry, Isabel Inclan, Lankathas Patmanathan, Maria Swietorzecki, Logan Logendralingam, Bill Fastis, Arif Ahmed, Hon Joe Volpe and other participated during the question-and-answer session.
New Business/New Members
Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the status of funds regards to LJI. Further information will be communicated about the cheques and electronic devices.
Hon. Volpe highlighted that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the body overseeing the Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) initiative, had made significant progress. However, he noted the following complications: Members who had not applied or believed they were eligible to apply were required to submit applications again. Eligibility for funding does not guarantee acceptance for 2025; those who miss this opportunity may have to wait until subsequent years. He urged members to vote for A7 for Hon. Volpe and A2 with Mr. Saras on February 24
Adjournment: Hon Joe Volpe moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Yuri Natchetoii seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, February 10 ,2025, via Zoom.
The above notes from the minutes of February 10, 2025, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.