NEPMCC FREEDOM DAY CANADA 2026
Author: jsaras
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on April 13, 2026
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on April 13, 2026, 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
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
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
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
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
Tahani Elghazalay
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 April 13, 2026, and declared the meeting open. Dimitri Ppapdopolous
moved a motion to approve the agenda. Yuri Anfisa Lysota. 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 Khalid Magram seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to monthly meeting of April 13, 2026.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has rejected mediation with the ministry of Canadian Heritage unless the ministry reverses its decision to cut back aids on various projects to Aids to Publisher. Negotiations continue with the Minister’s office and Maria Saras Voutsinas would be meeting with the representatives of the Canadian Heritage to further negotiate for a fair deal.
- 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 the members that senior officials from the Ministry of Canadian Heritage are scheduled to meet with the Executive Committee of NEPMCC on May 8, 2026. A limited number of NEPMCC members from Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver will also participate in this closed‑door meeting. The discussions will focus on funding matters related to various initiatives, including the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) and student internship programs under the Aids to Publishers framework. It was noted that the minutes of this meeting will be circulated to all NEPMCC members following its conclusion. The roundtable meeting between the Executive Committee and senior ministry officials will take place in Committee Room No. 5 at Toronto City Hall.
- 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 expressed his disappointment regarding the contents of the letter indicating that funding under the Aids to Publishers program would be reduced by approximately CAD 93 million. He noted that such a reduction would have a severe impact on many ethnic and community publications.
- 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.
- President Thomas informed the members that Ming Pao is closing operations in Canada, and it is one of four member publications closing at the start of the year. President Thomas Saras expressed measured optimism that if the organization works together, then we as an organization can try to reverse the trend.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that members receiving any emails coming from Radios Canada regarding the LJI, should forward it to the office of the President.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that the freedom of the Press will be celebrated in City Hall on May 1, 2026. Some members and community members will be receiving awards during the event. Nominations have already begun in January 2026 and have closed on March 30, 2026. There will be a reception after the presentations and award ceremony.
- President Thomas Saras reminded all the members to pay their membership fees for the year 2026. 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.
- President Thomas Saras reached out to the office of the Prime Minister and members of various standing committees in Canadian Parliament.
- President Thomas Saras thanked Maria Voutsinas for her tireless work towards the betterment of the members of NEPMCC.
New Business/New Members
The chair welcomed Tahani Elghazalay, Editor Tawasul News
Hon. Joe Volpe conveyed the strong concerns and frustration of publishers and editors arising from the sudden reduction in funding by the Federal Government under the Aids to Publishers program and other related initiatives. He noted that these funding cuts have been implemented despite the collective contribution of ethnic media, which plays a significant and often broader role than mainstream media in serving diverse communities and addressing information gaps. He further emphasized that, notwithstanding this impact, mainstream media continues to receive a disproportionately higher level of government funding.
Adjournment: George Guzmas moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Hon Joe Volpe seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, adjourned the meeting at 7.15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on May 11, 2026, via Zoom. The above minutes of April 13,2026 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the monthly meeting of March 09, 2026
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on March 09, 2026, 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
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
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
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
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 March 09, 2026, and declared the meeting open. Pooyan Tabatabaei
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 Pooyan Tabatabaei seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to monthly meeting of March 09, 2026.
- President Thomas Saras informed that NEPMCC has rejected mediation with the ministry of Canadian Heritage unless the ministry reverses its decision to cut back aids on various projects to Aids to Publisher. Negotiations continue with the Minister’s office and Maria Saras Voutsinas would be meeting with the representatives of the Canadian Heritage to further negotiate for a fair deal.
- President Thomas Saras expressed his disappointment regarding the contents of the letter indicating that funding under the Aids to Publishers program would be reduced by approximately CAD 93 million. He noted that such a reduction would have a severe impact on the majority of ethnic and community publications.
- 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.
- President Thomas informed the members that Ming Pao is closing operations in Canada, and it is one of four member publications closing at the start of the year. President Thomas Saras expressed measured optimism that if the organization works together, then we as an organization can try to reverse the trend.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that members receiving any emails coming from Radios Canada regarding the LJI, should forward it to the office of the President.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that the freedom of the Press will be celebrated in City Hall on May 1, 2026. Some members and community members will be receiving awards during the event. Nominations have already begun in January 2026 and will end on March 30, 2026. There will be a reception following the presentations and the award ceremony.
- President Thomas Saras reminded all the members to pay their membership fees for the year 2026. 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.
- 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 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.
New Business/New Members
Many members discussed on the geo-political situation around the world and its impact on Canada. NEPMCC has always advocated for the journalist fraternity worldwide and stands in solidarity with all the journalists prosecuted worldwide.
Maria Saras- Voutsinas informed that one of our members, A. R. Nathan suffered a heart attack in Dubai on his way back home from Sri Lanka. The council sent best wishes for his speedy recovery.
Adjournment: Dimitri Papadopoulos moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Pooyan Tabatabaei seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 7.15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on April 13, 2026, via Zoom. The above minutes of March 09,2026 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on January 19, 2026
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on January 19, 2026, 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
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
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 January 19, 2026, and declared the meeting open. Pooyan Tabatabaei
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 Demetris Vohaitis seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
.
President’s Report/Discussions:
- President Thomas Saras welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2026. He wished a wonderful year for all the members of the council and their families and staff.
- He mentioned that this is going to be a particularly important meeting as NEPMCC will raise pertinent issues affecting the ethnic media industry with the department of Canadian Heritage. A resolution was previously drafted after a meeting with the executive of the NEPMCC at the press gallery in the City Hall.
- Motion: A motion was brought in the floor in the November 2025 monthly meeting to discuss on the resolution. Many members during the November 2025 meeting including Logan Logandrinaligam, George Guzmas, Marco Leveytsky, Margaret Bonikowska, Eduardo Viera, Dimitri Papadopoυlos, Bill Fatsis, Magram Khalid, and others had spoken overwhelmingly in support of the motion. Ricky Castellvi had seconded the motion and was unanimously voted by the seventy-two members present during the previous monthly meeting in November. The copy of the final resolution was sent to all members via email after the meeting in November 2025.
- 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. President Thomas Saras will have a meeting with Google Canada on February 17, 2026. More information will follow later.
- President Thomas informed the members that Ming Pao is closing operations in Canada, and it is one of four member publications closing at the start of the year. President Thomas Saras expressed measured optimism that if the organization works together, then we as an organization can try to reverse the trend.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that members receiving any emails coming from Radios Canada regarding the LJI, should forward it to the office of the President.
- President Thomas Saras mentioned that the freedom of the Press will be celebrated on the first week of May. Some members and community members will be receiving awards during the event. Nominations will begin in January 2026 end on February 28, 2026. Motion: The motion was moved by Pooyan Tabatabaei and seconded by Yuri Natchetoi. The motion to celebrate Press Freedom Week was unanimously approved.
- Motion: Every year NEPMCC participates at the CNE during August to September since more than thirty years. A motion was brought to the floor to continue this tradition. CNE participation was approved unanimously.
- President Thomas Saras reminded all the members to pay their membership fees for the year 2026. 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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. More information will be available in next the meeting.
Adjournment: Pooyan Tabatabaei moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Demetris Vohaitis seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 7 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on February 09, 2026, via Zoom. The above minutes of January 19,2025 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on December 08, 2025
Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on December 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
- New Members/New Business
- Adjournment
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:
Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the hybrid meeting of December 08, 2025, and declared the meeting open. George Guzmas
moved a motion to approve the agenda. Ernesto Donan 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 December 08, 2025.
- He mentioned that this is going to be a particularly important meeting as NEPMCC will raise pertinent issues affecting the ethnic media industry with the department of Canadian Heritage. A resolution was previously drafted after a meeting with the executive of the NEPMCC at the press gallery in the City Hall. Motion: A motion was brought in the floor in the previous monthly to discuss on the resolution. Many members including Logan Logandrinaligam, George Guzmas, Marco Leveytsky, Margaret Bonikowska, Eduardo Viera, Dimitri Papadopolos, Bill Fatsis, Magram Khalid, and others had spoken overwhelmingly in support of the motion. Ricky Castellvi had seconded the motion and was unanimously voted by the seventy-two members present during the previous monthly meeting in November. The copy of the final resolution was sent to all members via email after the meeting in November 2025.
- 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 mentioned that a committee representing NEPMCC met with the Deputy Minister and high-ranking officials of the ministry. The committee comprised of President Thomas Saras, Mohammad Tajdolati, Maria Saras Voutsinas, Hon. Joe Volpe, and others. Among others LJI was discussed including increasing funding for the ethnic media. There would be another meeting once the new minister takes office.
- 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. Hon joe Volpe added some more context to this on the meeting. The officials took the message very seriously on the issues presented to them by the Executive Committee of NEPMCC. Hon Joe Volpe hoped there will be fruitful outcome of the meeting soon. Dr. Tajdolati added his point of view. Maria Saras Voutsinas hope that LJI is more likely to continue. She also emphasized that they are working on making amendments to the Aid to Publisher Program.
- Annual Get-together – As previously decided the annual event would be held on December 12 at the Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre. The tickets were subsidized for members for an affordable $70 per person. The event was almost sold out during the meeting on December 08, 2025. Any members who still wanted to attend, would have to notify Executive Director Maria Saras- Voutsinas as there are only limited seats available at the time.
- 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 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.
.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.
Ned Blair wondered if NEPMCC could reach out sending a letter of support to the Jamaican Consulate in Toronto expressing concern of the tragedy, which took place in Jamaica.
The chair introduced new member Khairia Mahshed Gulab – Etifak TV- on YouTube
Adjournment: George Guzmas moved a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Kathy Lin 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 January 19, 2026, via Zoom. The above minutes of December 08,2025 were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
NEPMCC Christmas Party 2025
PICTURES FROM OUR ANNUAL GET TOGETHER EVENT, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025 AT THE HUNGARIAN CULTURAL CENTRE.
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
