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September, October, 2006

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The Legislative Assembly of Ontario

 

 

Hansard

 

 

September 27, 2006

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS ethnic media

 

Mr. Frank Klees (Oak Ridges): I take this opportunity to report to the House and, through this statement, to Ontarians across the province on an important event that took place here at Queen's Park this past Friday, September 22. The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada honoured 14 individuals from every walk of life and cultural background from all over Canada, as well as 14 publishers/editors of ethnocultural publications in Canada.

 

The occasion was hosted by His Honour the Honourable James Bartleman, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. I was deeply honoured to represent John Tory and the Ontario PC caucus and to extend our congratulations to the 28 award recipients.  Also present was MP Peter Van Loan, who brought greetings from the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper.

 

I ask honourable members here to acknowledge with me the crucially important role of the ethnic press and media in our country and in this province, where we celebrate one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. A special acknowledgement and congratulations are extended to Mr. Thomas S. Saras, president and CEO of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, for his role in organizing this memorable event.

 

The work of our ethnocultural media is highly significant in the life of our province, especially when we consider how it provides a necessary cultural context within which new Canadians are made to feel both comfortable and welcome in their new country. The ethnic media also keeps open the necessary cultural and linguistic channels for the maintenance, promotion and handing-on of the heritage of Ontario’s many cultural communities that continue to enrich our society.