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Canada Day celebration by National Ethnic Press And Media Council Of Canada (NEPMCC)

The annual Canada Day celebrations by NEPMCC have always proven to be interesting because of the interesting politicians present. This year was no exception, wth the keynote speaker being Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, supported by Citizen and Immigration Minister Michael Koteau. A federal NDP member Ms. Rathika Sitsabaiesan brought greetings from leader of the opposition Thomas Mulchair.

The president and CEO of NEPMCC, Mr. Thomas Saras did not give his usual enthusiastic speech, instead the new Vice President Public Relations Ms Maria Voutsinas (Ms Rajak, the previous VP PR, was present also) had the honours.
From the left: Maria Voutsnas, VPPR; Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne; Tom Saras, President, NEPMEC. Photo by Adu Raudkivi

Premier Wynne gave her direction as to where she is taking the province. She hinted on five new bi-elections (they were subsequently called for August 1st). Also she hinted at greater support for ethnic media.

In private conversation Premier Wynne was asked about why she was cancelling the $150 plus million grant to Toronto. She said she had written off a loan to Toronto on Ontario's books for $250 million instead.

Premier Wynne brought together the ethnic community with mainstream by suggesting that everybody, except the indigenous peoples, the First Nations had come here from somewhere else. She mentioned that her father came here from Jamaica.

Minister Koteau made mention that he was the first minister of Citizenship and Immigration who had not been born in Canada (he was born in Grenada). He also mentioned that he will be giving as much support as he can to the gathered media.

Others there were police chiefs from York Region both past and present. All in all a good time was had by all.

Adu Raudkivi

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