TORONTO GLOBAL FORUM 18th Edition

The IEFA is delighted to invite you to the 18th edition of the Toronto Global Forum, held under the theme ‘Scaling for a Sustainable Future. Join us on October 16-18, 2024, at Toronto’s iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel as we delve into crucial topics affecting the global economy such as sustainable finance, digital acceleration, the green
transition, energy security, infrastructure and geopolitics. Join the #TGF this Fall to connect with global leaders from Ericsson, Devon Energy, Swedbank Robur, Morningstar DBRS, CPP Investments, DBSA and more. Enjoy on-site networking, luncheons, cocktail receptions, and a vibrant program spanning
three dynamic days in Canada’s economic hub.

View program

https://www.torontoglobalforum.com/#/

964032000009796012_zc_v1_1725995418653_1_(2)

 

Canadian National Exhibition 2024

We are thrilled to celebrate our 37th 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

 

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on July 08, 2024

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on July 08, 2024, 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 Lyang

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

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 08, 2024, and declared the meeting open. Yuri Natchetoi moved a motion to approve the agenda. Dimitri Papadopoulos seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Minutes of the previous meeting:

Dimitri Papadopoulous moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Margaret Bonikowiska 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 8, 2024. He hoped the coming months will be great for everyone. He also reminded members to pay their annual membership fees to continue to get the benefits and privileges as a member of NEPMCC. He mentioned that those who applied for media passes can collect it.
  • President Thomas Saras informed that Ontario government might allocate funds to ethnic publications based in Ontario.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.

  • 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 the NEPMCC will be participating at the CNE this year. There will be a reception during the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth at CNE.

  • Motion: President Thomas Saras reminded the members of a previous resolution where it was approved 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.
  • 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.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Hon Joe Volpe and all other members who generously donated to NEPMCC. Although the industry and members of NEPMCC are struggling financially, he encouraged everyone that can do so to donate. He also reminded the members for renewing their membership by paying their annual membership fees.
  • 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

 

New Business/New Members

Maria Saras Voutsinas updated on the disbursement of funds under LJI.

She then took questions on the components of Special Measures for Journalism and Business Innovation Grant.

The CJC-CCJ is currently preparing its submission to the CRTC, taking into account feedback they have heard from stakeholders to date. It is understood that the stakeholders expect the CJC-CCJ to establish a governance structure that represents the full diversity of the news ecosystem and processes for fund distribution that are transparent, fair, and cost-effective, in accordance with the Online News Act and regulations. One can find more information in the link below

https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2024/2024-143.htm

Geroge Bakoyannis, Margaret Bonikowska, Dimitri Papadopolous, and others participated in discussions on the relevant issues raised during the meeting.

Adjournment:  Dimitri Papadopoulos moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and Margaret Bonikowska 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, August 12 ,2024, via Zoom. (Meeting may be postponed due to the preparation of the CNE Ethnic Press Booth)

The above notes from the minutes of July 08, 2024, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on June 10, 2024

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on June 10, 2024, at Committee Room No 2, City Hall, hybrid meeting via Zoom and in person.

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 Lyang

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

Agenda of the day:

  • Welcome Remarks by the chair.
  • Minutes of the previous meeting
  • Presentation by Heritage Canada
  • Presentation by Meetu Madahar, Communications Manager, United Way of Greater Toronto
  • President’s Report/Discussions
  • New Members/New Business
  • Adjournment

 

 

Welcome Remarks by the Chair:

Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of June 10, 2024, and declared the meeting open. Manan Gupta moved a motion to approve the agenda. Pooyan Tabatabaei seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Minutes of the previous meeting:

Arif Ahmed moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Dimitri Papadopoulous 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 10, 2024.  He hoped the coming months will be great for everyone.  He also reminded members to pay their annual membership fees to continue to get the benefits and privileges as a member of NEPMCC. He mentioned that those who applied for media passes can collect it.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Saras Voutsinas and members in the committee who worked towards the “Freedom of Press” Celebration at City Hall. The event was a huge success.

 

  • President Thomas Saras welcomed a delegation of officers from Canadian Heritage  to the monthly meeting of June 10, 2024.

  • 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 the NEPMCC will be participating at the CNE this year. There will be a reception during the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth at CNE.
  • Motion: Miniter of Heritage demanded a coordinator to be a liaison between the federally run LJI and Student Internship programs and NEPMCC. The name of Maria Saras Voutsinas was suggested as the coordinator of the Federally run programs. George Guzmas moved the motion supporting Maria Saras as the coordinator of the Federally run programs funded by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage. Shahidul Islam Mintu seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried.

  • 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 logistics.
  • 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 writing 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.
  • 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.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Hon Joe Volpe and all other members who generously donated to NEPMCC. Although the industry and members of NEPMCC are struggling financially, he encouraged everyone that can do so to donate. He also reminded the members for renewing their membership by paying their annual membership fees.
  • 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 Heritage Canada PCH – Canada Periodical Fund

The Chair invited the delegation to make their presentation.

The delegation included

France Fortier, Director, Periodical Publishing Policy and Programs,

Karine Morin, Manager, Aid to Publishers, Canada Periodical Fund

Andrea Simms-Karp, Manager Collective Initiatives, LJI, CPF

Sridaya Srivastan, Policy Analyst Magazines Policy

Brigette Fontille, Program Officer, LJI

Cynthia D’Amours, Senior Program Officer, LJI, SMJ

Canada  Periodical Fund (CPF):

Overview of CPF components

Special Measures for Journalism (SMJ):

The SMJ component provides funds to Canadian magazines and community newspapers. The SMJ component will provide funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to publishers that have a free circulation model or low levels of paid circulation, or are published in digital format. Funding is distributed proportionally according to the total of eligible editorial expenses of each recipient.

Aid to Publishers (ATP):

The Aid to Publishers component is designed to provide eligible Canadian publishers of print magazines, print community newspapers (non-daily) and digital periodicals with the financial support they need to produce and distribute high-quality, Canadian editorial content for Canadian readers.Funding is distributed proportionally according to the number of eligible copies distributed by each recipient; eligible editorial expenditures of each recipient for print magazines and community newspapers. For digital-only periodicals, funding is distributed proportionally according to eligible editorial expenditures.

Business Innovation (BI):

The Business Innovation component offers support for projects to eligible small and mid-sized print and digital magazines, and print and digital non-daily community newspapers. BI is designed to fund projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the criteria below. It will be compared and prioritized with other applications in relation to the funds available. Funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.

Collective Initiatives (CI):

The Collective Initiatives component funds projects for organizations designed to increase the overall sustainability of the Canadian magazine and community newspaper (non-daily) industries. CI is designed to fund projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below. It will be compared and prioritized with other applications in relation to the funds available.

Intake periods for current and upcoming funding cycles

SMJ 2024-2025

This component is currently receiving applications (opened May 31, 2024). The

deadline to apply is July 12, 2024. Following the deadline date, there is a 30-week

service standard to issue funding decisions.

BI 2024-2025

This component is currently receiving applications (opened June 10, 2024). The

deadline date to apply is July 12, 2024. Following the deadline date, there is a 20-

week service standard to issue funding decisions.

CI 2024-2025

This component is currently receiving applications (opened June 10, 2024). The

deadline date to apply is August 30, 2024. Following the deadline date, there is a

20-week service standard to issue funding decisions.

ATP 2025-2026

This component will launch the next funding cycle in October 2024 with a

deadline date to apply of end of November 2024. Following the deadline date,

there is a 30-week service standard to issue funding decisions.

Frequently recurring issues

Reproduced content

Content previously published on other platforms or in other publications.

The Program requires periodicals to contain at least 51% of original

content that has not been published elsewhere previously.

Unoriginal translated content

Translated content that was previously published on other platforms or in

other publications. Translation of previously published content does not

constitute original content. Translations of previously published content

may constitute up to a maximum of 49% of applicant’s submitted

content in an application.

Paid copies reported on forms

For subscription copies sold, a subscribers list may be requested to

confirm numbers reported on the form. For single-copy/newsstand sales,

points of sale reports showing each individual transactions may be

requested to confirm numbers reported on form.

Following the presentation, the chair Dr. Tajdolati opned the floor for questions and answers to members present in person and members attending all over Canada via Zoom.

Kathy Geskalis, Dimitri Papadopoulous, Manan Gupta, Hon Joe Volpe, Pooyan Tabatabaei, Margaret P. Bonikowska, Lisa, Manan Gupta, Shai l,Olga Kileev , Sean Pickard, Mareck Goldyn, Zuhair Alshaeer, Logan Logendranalingam, George Guzmas, Mila Garcia and others asked relevant questions to the delegation.

Presentation of plaques to the delegation fron from Heritage Canada

President Thomas Saras presented plaques to the delegation in appreciation of their time and guidance to the members of NEPMCC

 

.

.

Toronto

New Business/New Members

.

Adjournment:  Shahidul Islam Mintu moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and George Guzmas 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 08, 2024, via Zoom.

The above notes from the minutes of June 10, 2024, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on May 13, 2024, at City Hall, hybrid meeting via Zoom and in person.

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on May 13, 2024, at City Hall, hybrid meeting via Zoom and in person.

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 Lyang

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

Agenda of the day:

  • Welcome Remarks by the chair.
  • Minutes of the previous meeting
  • Presentation by Kate Gardner Co founder and CEO of myRESET
  • Presentation by Meetu Madahar, Communications Manager, United Way of Greater Toronto
  • President’s Report/Discussions
  • New Members/New Business
  • Adjournment

 

 

Welcome Remarks by the Chair:

Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of May 13, 2024, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the agenda. Pooyan Tabatabaei seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Minutes of the previous meeting:

Olga Kileev moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Dimitri Papadopoulous seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.

 President’s Report/Discussions:

  • President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the online monthly meeting of May 13, 2024. He hoped the coming months will be great for everyone.  He also reminded members to pay their annual membership fees to continue to get the benefits and privileges as a member of NEPMCC.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Saras Voutsinas and members in the committee who worked towards the “Freedom of Press” Celebration at City Hall. The event was a huge success.

 

  • President Thomas Saras mentioned that a delegation of officers from Canadian Heritage will be coming to the monthly meeting of June 10, 2024.He encouraged everyone to attend the meeting, including members who are from different provinces.

  • 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 the NEPMCC will be participating at the CNE this year. There will be a reception during the opening ceremony of the NEPMCC booth at CNE.
  • Motion: Miniter of Heritage demanded a coordinator to be a liaison between the federally run LJI and Student Internship programs and NEPMCC. The name of Maria Saras Voutsinas was suggested as the coordinator of the Federally run programs. George Guzmas moved the motion supporting Maria Saras as the coordinator of the Federally run programs funded by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage. Shahidul Islam Mintu seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried.
  • President Thomas Saras suggested that the Freedom of Press Festival be held on May 10 at City Hall. The suggestion was unanimously carried. There will be a reception at the City Hall.

  • 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 logistics.
  • 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 writing 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.
  • 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.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Hon Joe Volpe and all other members who generously donated to NEPMCC. Although the industry and members of NEPMCC are struggling financially, he encouraged everyone that can do so to donate. He also reminded the members for renewing their membership by paying their annual membership fees.
  • 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 Kate Gardner Co founder and CEO of myRESET

The Chair invited Kate Gardner to make her presentation

myRESET Journey, was designed with a deep understanding of the traumatic, barrier-filled life experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized Canadians who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. While many organizations deliver various reintegration services, there is no singular organization that delivers a program as comprehensive, supportive, and culturally sensitive as the myRESET Journey. Instead of “reinventing the wheel,” myRESET is reimagining the criminal justice system by delivering a program in partnership with “best-in-class” existing service providers while seeking active participation from the funding partners. As Canada faces a historic labour crisis, myRESET is challenging policymakers and leaders across all sectors to re-evaluate the purpose of incarceration through a creative, inclusive, and “homegrown” talent solution, which will ultimately cultivate safer, more prosperous communities. As Canadian taxpayers face huge financial costs associated with high incarceration rates and the overrepresentation of racialized Canadians in the justice system, individuals – and their families and communities – who are in possession of a criminal record face debilitating systemic barriers. There is also extensive research demonstrating that more time in jail results in more crime rather than reducing crime. In alignment with existing government policies and funding programs aiming to support new Canadians with integrating into the workforce, the myRESET journey is a creative and cost-effective pathway to support 4 million Canadians in possession of a criminal record as they reintegrate into the workforce. In contrast with the cost of federal incarceration per inmate (over $100,000/year) and provincial incarceration (over $60,000/year), the cost of the myRESET Journey is only about $30,000 per participant. Over time, we are confident that myRESET will contribute to a reduction in governments spending taxpayer dollars on law enforcement and social programming as more justice-impacted Canadians are able to pursue and thrive in meaningful careers.

Presentation by Meetu Madahar, Communications Manager, United Way of Greater Toronto.

United Way Greater Toronto is interested in collaborating with the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada to connect with community/ethnic journalists in the GTA, and in Ontario at a Neighbourhood Walk this September.

UWGT would select the neighbourhood, which would include a tour of their agencies and the research work that they are involved with, as well as talks about the histories of the chosen neighbourhood. Members of NEPMCC are invited to then join for a lovely lunch where they will have the opportunity for one-on-one media interviews, and/or chats with the President and CEO, Daniele Zanotti.

Toronto

New Business/New Members

Maria Saras Voutsinas emphasized that members from the GTA need to be present during the monthly meeting of June as a delegation from Canadian Heritage will there to know the issues facing the ethnic media industry and to answer questions on Canada Periodical Fund and other grants available for members of the ethnic media industry. She stressed the need to be in numbers to show the strength of NEPMCC for its voices to be heard.

Adjournment:  Dimitri Papadopolous moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and George Guzmas 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 10, 2024, via Zoom.

The above notes from the minutes of May 13, 2024, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on April 08, 2024, through video conference via Zoom.

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on April 08, 2024, through video conference 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 Lyang

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

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 virtual monthly meeting of April 08, 2024, and declared the meeting open. Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the agenda. Pooyan Tabatabaei 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 Pooyan Tabatabaei seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.

 President’s Report/Discussions:

  • President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the online monthly meeting of April 8, 2024. He hoped the coming months will be great for everyone.  He also reminded members to pay their annual membership fees to continue to get the benefits and privileges as a member of NEPMCC.
  • President Thomas Saras mentioned that LJI and Student Internship Program has been updated for the next three years.
  • Motion: Miniter of Heritage demanded a coordinator to be a liaison between the federally run LJI and Student Internship programs and NEPMCC. The name of Maria Saras Voutsinas was suggested as the coordinator of the Federally run programs. George Guzmas moved the motion supporting Maria Saras as the coordinator of the Federally run programs funded by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage. Shahidul Islam Mintu seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried.
  • President Thomas Saras suggested that the Freedom of Press Festival be held on May 10 at City Hall. The suggestion was unanimously carried. There will be a reception at the City Hall.
  • Margaret Bonikowska suggested of raising the membership fee. She also suggested that we need to spend resources in upgrading the website of NEPMCC. There were various discussions regarding this. Many members contributed their ideas towards upgrading the website. Pooyan Tabatabaei, George Guzmas, Dimitri Papadopoulous, Liisa Qureshi and others participated in the discussion. It was decided that a committee would look into the suggestions of upgrading NEPMCC website.  Hermie Garcia, Yuri Natchetoi, Tamil Journal, Zuahir Alshaaer volunteered to be a part of this committee.

  • 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 logistics.
  • 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 writing 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.
  • President Thomas informed members about the Freedom of Press Festival in May. Motion: There was a motion on the floor to approve the expenses for the freedom of press festival, which would take place on May 10 at the City Hall. Kathy Lin moved a motion and Leila Monteiro Lins seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
  • 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.
  • President Thomas Saras thanked Hon Joe Volpe and all other members who generously donated to NEPMCC. Although the industry and members of NEPMCC are struggling financially, he encouraged everyone that can do so to donate. He also reminded the members for renewing their membership by paying their annual membership fees.
  • 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

New Business/New Members

Maria Saras Voutsinas informed that “What Jennifer Di” a documentary based on the story of Jennifer Pan and co-produced by one of the members of NEPMCC, Paul Nguyen is releasing in Netflix on April 10 and is highly rated by the critics.

Adjournment:  Dimitri Papadopolous moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and George Guzmas 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, May 13, 2024, via Zoom.

The above notes from the minutes of April 08, 2024, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.

Minutes of the July 11 2022 Monthly Meeting

Minutes of the July 11 2022 Monthly Meeting

Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on July 11, 2022, through video conference via Zoom

 

Present/Attendees

  • Thomas S. Saras
  • Mohammad Tajdolati
  • Neel Nanda
  • Maria Saras-Voutsinas
  • Rosemary Sadlier
  • Ricky Castellvi
  • Hon. Basilio Giordano
  • Daniela Sprilac
  • Michael Li
  • Helen Wang
  • Rue Hayer-Bains
  • Zuhair Alshaaer
  • Elsayed Nasr
  • Ned Blair
  • Jonathan Annobil
  • Pooyan Tabatabaei
  • Nishantha Don
  • Lankathas Pathmanathan
  • Linda Karuks
  • Liisa Qureshi
  • Zenaida Ferry-Kharroubi
  • George Guzmas
  • Serge Vankevich
  • Roberto Hausman
  • Martha Pinzon
  • Arif Ahmed
  • Essie W
  • Fiza Syeda
  • Denis Poirier
  • LIYANA ARACHCHIGE WASANTHI
  • Arash Kharabi
  • Ragee Arasaratnam
  • Lydia Sun
  • Leila Monteiro Lins
  • Mohammed BagherSamimi
  • Ali Mahmoud
  • Ghulam Rasool
  • Anfisa Lyasota
  • Ranjit Wicks
  • Sandie De Freitas
  • Norman Hart
  • Kathy L. L. Li
  • Wais Popalzai
  • Teshome Woldramanuel
  • Khalid Magram
  • Mooka Tamil
  • Bobby Wang
  • Maria Swietoizacki
  • Elizabeth Muzalc
  • Mike Kolososki
  •  Hon. Joe Volpe
  • Susana Donan
  • Ernesto Donan
  • S. Krishnalingan
  • Khalid Manan
  • Khalid Hamid
  • Nagamany Logendralingam
  • Hermie Garcia
  • Mila Garcia
  • Nawrin Farah
  • Eugenia Bakchinow
  • Mizhard Bagant
  • Michael Li
  • Sima Ghaffarzadeh
  • Cezar Bangu
  • Gezahegn Mekonnen Demissie
  • Saad Alsafar
  • Rui Yang
  •  HaiTien Lin
  • Kumanan Thnambi
  • Kathy Wang
  • Isa Melo
  • Thavapalan Kathiravelu
  • Yuri Natchetoi
  • John Saraidaris
  • Said Henry
  • Lui Queano
  • S. Krinalingam
  • Kumayan Thambi
  • Najibullah Popalzai
  • Hannan Mamun
  • Nobodip News
  • Ali Mahboub
  • Mulugeta Zergaba
  • Margaret Bonikowska
  • Denis Brito
  • Stensont A
  • Geetha Nangarajh
  • Syed Irbal
  • Bobby Wang
  • Muhammad Naeem Ul Islam
  • Foe Jole
  • Tom Bijoet
  • Thanapalan Kathivarelu
  • Dimitris Vohaitis
  • Dimitri Papadopoulos
  • Daril Brar
  • Ahmad Rostamijam
  • Lalit Thakkar
  • Lawrence Joseph
  • Ronny Yason
  • Khuvan Aftab
  • Abdul Azeem
  • Qazi AFRASIAB
  • Nawrin Farah
  • S Krishnalingam
  • Shaiful Horn
  • Helen Wang
  • Shail Prasad
  • Ahmad Hotaki
  • Thomas Galgor
  • S. Sivamohan
  • Kathy Gerasklis
  • Athanasios Kourtesis
  • Kumanan Thambi
  • Tamil Muraka
  • Solomon Areinu
  • Michael Li
  • Deborah Shatz
  • Ramsankr Sivanathan
  • Bety Glothai
  • Nishantha Donsiyambalapitiyage
  • George Bakoyannis
  • Salah Allam
  • Stena Allam
  • Elizabeth Muzale
  • Eduardo Vieira
  • Denis Poirier
  • Liyana Arachchige Wasanthi

 

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 virtual monthly meeting 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:

Kathy Gerasklis moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Shahidul Islam Mintu seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.

 President’s Report/Discussions:

  • Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the monthly meeting of July 11, 2022. He highlighted the achievements of the Council over the past few years and specially during the pandemic when members faced additional challenges. He praised the arduous work and dedication of all members who contributed towards its success and specially mentioned Maria Saras Voutsinas who has been tirelessly working for the members during the pandemic. Maria Saras-Voutsinas informed the internship programme has started this year.
  • President Thomas Saras mentioned about the Canada Day event on July 8 at the Greek Community Centre. The event was a success as the arrangements were elaborate and lavish for members who attended. He however expressed disappointment that many members who had confirmed their attendance did not show up. This was an opportunity missed by the members who failed to attend and deprived the opportunity to others who could have attended the Canada Day celebrations as the event was limited for invited guests only.
  • Motion: There were discussions on the CNE participation. The office of the President of NEPMCC suggested to hire at least two (2) members who would work at the CNE booth of NEPMCC during the CNE days in 2022 from August 19 to September 5. The motion to this effect was moved by Roberto Hausman and seconded by Yuri Natchetoi. The motion was unanimously carried.
  • President Thomas Saras updated the members on the financial year 2022-2023 for NEPMCC. He mentioned that members who were approved for the LJI would receive their cheques in the following weeks.
  • Motion: President Thomas Saras brought to the table the inauguration of NEPMCC booth at the CNE in August. To this regard there would be a reception on Saturday August 20,at 12:00 noon, for the attending members of NEPMCC. Rosemary Sadlier moved the motion and Arif Ahmed seconded it. The motion was unanimously passed.
  • CNE is a great stage to highlight the strength of NEPMCC and Ethnic Media in Canada and President Thomas reminded members to drop their copies for the NEPMCC booth at CNE. This year CNE is back and is expected to have thousands of visitors each day.
  • Thomas Saras thanked all the members who donated to NEPMCC. He appreciated their generous donations to organization.
  • President Thomas Saras reminded members the annual membership fees for 2022. Many members mentioned the significance and benefits of being a NEPMCC member. NEPMCC has tirelessly worked for decades to educate and influence Governments to take Ethnic Media industry very seriously.
  • President Thomas Saras mentioned that next year NEMCC will host a 3–4-day educational seminar in Toronto. Daniela Spirlac would send questionaries to the members for need analysis on the interest of members.
  • Members were also reminded to update all their contact information with the office of the President and Daniela Spirlac.
  • President Thomas Saras suggested in creating a fund to help international journalists who are being persecuted and tortured in various countries worldwide.
  • Saras informed the members that the LJI budget has been increased for the current year and for the next business year. He encouraged members that have not already done so to apply for funding. He also explained that the Internship Program will continue and that NEPMCC is currently waiting for its approval. Once the approval is received for the next cycle, all qualifying members will be encouraged to apply for it. He mentioned that NEPMCC has already received several applications on file and those that are approved will be funded once the program begins.
  • President Saras emphasized that funds allocated under various projects would only be distributed to members who qualify for it
  • Thomas Saras urged the members to participate in different projects that are available. If there is lack of adequate participation, the funds would go back to its source and in future the allocations of such funds could be limited.
  •  Members who wish to participate in projects undertaken by NEPMCC (other than the LJI) must be in good standing and abide by all the codes governing the council. They should also pay all membership dues.
  • President Thomas Saras mentioned that LJI payments will be made in 2 weeks.
  • President Thomas Saras continued to educate members on various projects undertaken by NEPMCC and especially on the LJI. President Thomas Saras informed about the local initiative program The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) supports the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada. Funding is available to eligible Canadian media organizations to hire an unemployed journalist or pay freelance journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities. The content produced will be made available to media organizations through a Creative Commons license so that Canadians can be better informed. He mentioned under this program a publisher can hire qualified journalist or a journalistic student in the final year and get up to a maximum of $30,000 per year. He mentioned that the program has been phenomenally successful. He hoped that the program will continue to receive funds in future. The program also pays for mailing expenses of the copies of the publication to remote communities and provides special prepaid kits to members participating in the program.
  • The president also encouraged all the members to apply for an ID or Media Pass of the organization. There are so many benefits; the president said that it is to one’s advantage to have it.

  New Business/Discussions

  •  Maria Saras -Voutsinas updated on the various steps taken by NEPMCC to further the cause of the members. She mentioned that NEPMCC is working with industry partners to bring free newspapers under the ambit of Aid to Publishers this year.
  • Maria Saras mentioned about Google Grant that is available for media in Canada. More in formation on how to access and apply for this grant would be sent via email.

Adjournment:  

Arif Ahmed – 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, August 08, 2022, via Zoom.

 

The above notes from the meeting of July 11, 2022, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.