January 15, 2006

  Round Table Discussions with the Hon. Jack Layton

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Brothers and Sisters of the Ethnic Media:

Yesterday, Saturday January the 14, 2006 a number of thirty publications and representatives of two radio stations and televisions met with the Hon. Jack Layton, the leader of the Fed. NDP for two hours, at the Metropolitan Hotel, downtown Toronto.

Mr. Layton in his opening remarks explained the philosophy and the policies of his party and asked for the support of the multicultural communities of the Country and the ethnic press. He make it clear that his party always stands in support of the immigrant population, the new comers and the new Canadians in this land they choose as their home. He promised speedy action for the recognition of University credentials of the new comers and also applications for visa. He mention of the Health care system and the abuse the system is under on a daily basis and addressed the Kyoto agreement for the protection of the environment and every single concern of the Canadians at this time.

Following his remarks he offered the opportunity to our members to address their own concerns and answered questions by the members. To this extend the Leader of the NDP postponed his busy schedule by half an hour in order to give the opportunity the participation of every member present.

This event was organized by the campaign office of the Federal NDP, in cooperation with the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, and I want to thank Mr. Layton for his support to our organization and the Ethnic Media in general.

Thanks also to all brothers and sisters who attended the event and voiced the concerns of their communities to Mr. Layton.

At this point I want to express our thanks to Mr. Layton and his strategist for the honour of including us in their busy schedule in order to inform the members and our communities of their political views.

Thomas S. Saras

President