Present: Thomas S. Saras Agenda 1. Welcome Remarks by the chair. Welcome Remarks by the Chair:Mr. Thomas Saras chaired the meeting and declared the meeting open. Sandeep Prabhakar moved a motion to approve the agenda. Raffi Boghossian seconded it. The motion was carried
Minutes of the previous meeting:Raffi Der Boghossian moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting Ahmed Shah Hotaki seconded it. The motion was carried.
President’s Report/Discussions: President Thomas Saras informed the council that the awaited meeting with the officials of Canadian Heritage which took place on January 12 in Ottawa was a step in the right direction. Further to the last discussion with the officials of Heritage Canada – there is an ongoing dialogue to make amendments before the new guidelines come for Canada Magazines Fund out. He explained to the members that how some rules may be changed this year to benefit the members of NEPMCC. There were a lot of discussion on what is defined as the Canadian content and what percentage is needed to qualify for funding. President Thomas Saras categorically cleared all doubts on the definition of Canadian content and the percentage of Canadian content needed to qualify for Magazines Fund. Margaret, Rakhee Prabhakar, Sandeep Prabhakar, Marek Goldyn and others participated on this issue of the Canadian content and presented their views on the percentage of Canadian content needed to be eligible for the Canadian Magazine Fund. President Thomas Saras suggested that NEPMCC launch a digital publishing platform for the members of NEPMCC. A consulting firm will undertake this assignment on behalf of NEPMCC after a contract being signed by both. The consulting firm will also do the marketing for NEPMCC. The proposal is subject to approval from Government. The consulting company will also do the marketing to NEPMCC. There were various discussions around this topic. President Saras mentioned a committee to be formed which could liaison with the consulting form for this project. This project will be major breakthrough for all the members as it would increase their reachability and target audience. There were also suggestions by some members that NEPMCC could approach Trillium Foundation for future projects for the community New Business:The Chair asked the members if any new business were on the floor for discussion. New Members:President Thomas Saras thanked all the members who worked very hard over the years to make NEPMCC a strong voice for the community and wished to make 2016 an even better year for all the members of NEPMCC. He wished the members and their families the best for 2016! |