MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL ETHNIC & MEDIA COUNCIL HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 AT QUEENS PARK

(From Srimal Abeyewardene – Editor The Sri Lanka Reporter)

Thomas Saras President of the National Ethnic and Media Council asked Clyde McNeel to preside the meeting according to the agenda. The minutes of the previous meeting was unanimously approved. In his monthly report the president Thomas Saras explained that some progress made in regard to Insurance Benefits, Medical Plan and Deaths. He said several insurance companies were interested in the scheme, but no final decision has been made. He told the members once a suitable plan is ready it would be brought to the members for their approval.

He also said that he was very disappointed about the Tamil Dances and Singers who failed to turn at the CNN as promised. Mr. Saras said this happened the previous year too. He said he managed to get a young Indian dancer fill into the program.

At this stage Afghan Post Editor stated all matters concerning “The Word on the Street” was completed and requested members to bring their publications for public display. Mr. Saras said he had approached the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation regarding advertising. He said he attended a meeting together with Massood, for a period of two hours, talking to Ms Montgomery V-P of the corporation. Finally he got the impression that Ms Montgomery was trying to get excuses in order to avoid any commitment. The president emphasized that although this company is getting most of its profits by costumers members of the ethnic communities, it is unfortunate that they are ignoring the press of these communities as they advertise only with Rogers and the money is going directly to the hands of the owners of this company which are anything else than ethnic.

This policy is a disgrace for the corporation and the Government of Ontario as it is a slam to the face of the ethnic communities and their Press, according to Mr. Saras.  He said he would continue to negotiate as time goes on with hope of securing an advertising contract with the corporation. He said Lottery Corporation officials were not that interested advertising with Ethnic Press. Mr. Saras promised to take up this matter with the Ontario Government shortly.

He said at this time of the year to be honest he would not be writing or meeting anybody, since he was working on the “Awards Ceremony”. Mr. Saras said the award recipients have been notified by the His Honour the Lt. Governor’s office, also their invitees as special guests. He went on to explain protocol at the Lt. Governor’s office and requested all those attending ceremony to follow their instructions. The Report of the President was approved unanimously.

It was stated Ms. Anne Dowson one of the members of the Board of Directors of the National Ethnic Press Media Council would give a short description of the award recipients and His Honour James Bartleman, Lt. Governor Ontario who is hosting the award ceremony will give away the plaques. This would be followed by a group picture with Lt. Governor Ontario James Bartleman and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, which will be followed by a reception at Lt. Governor’s suite at Queens Park.

Mr. Saras invited the members of the Council for a roundtable discussion with Mr. Jack Layton on Monday September 19, 2005. Mr. Saras explained that we are not politicians. However, we do have to have good relationship with all political parties of our democratic society, without any prejudice against or pro to anyone of them.

He said we hope to meet Prime Minister Paul Martin some time October. But no date has been fixed he added.

Mr. Saras also informed the members that he was expecting the first Federal advertisement campaign in October and that to this extend he would try to make contact with Mr. Jean-Marie Philippe. He also said he was negotiating with the Ontario Government about Provincial advertising.

Mr. Saras said Award recipient who was thought to be a woman was later identified as a man and this terrible mistake was corrected.

At this stage the Year End Dinner was discussed and to charge $10.00 per head was put to the house. However, Vice President Max thought it was better if we charged $20.00 per head. Vice President Max at this stage stated that we were getting too involved in the matter. At this stage this matter was to be discussed at the next meeting of the Council.

However, Mr. Sars said he and his committee would look for reasonably in prices and good restaurant for the dinner.

The Chairman of Committees stated no motions would accepted without discussions. At this point the Chair declared that the meeting was over. The motion was place by Aris Babikian  and seconded by Massood.