Chronicle of events        на русскую версию

ETHNIC MEDIA IN THE SERVICE
 OF MULTICULTURAL CANADA

   
   The letter of prime-minister of Canada Mr. Jean Chretien
   to the stuff of The Yonge Street Review

            Multiculturalism…  This word, unusual for the Russian language, has firmly entered into the everyday life of immigrants to the Land of the Maple Leaf.  Its meaning, in practice, is known by every new Canadian.
            In these past years Canada has opened its gates to people from all over the world.  They have changed its appearance and have rightfully become the citizens of the country recognized a few years in a row by everybody as “the best for living”.
            First in the world some thirty two years ago, Canada raised multiculturalism into the ranks of state policy, and has become a leader in the recognition of the diversity of different cultures thus giving the way to an establishment of such democratic values as equality and freedom of speech.  One other development of such policy was the establishment of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada which had celebrated its 26^th anniversary at the end of August.
            Today the Council represents a recognized public organization bringing together tens of publications in native languages.  Our paper and The Yonge Street Review Publishing House, comprise its body as one of the constituents.  The significance of this voluntary association is confirmed by the participation in the festivities of high-ranking state officials at the federal and provincial levels.
            It happened by a lucky coincidence that right before the final award presentation in the hall of «Liberty Grand» Complex on the stage of International Culture in the pavilion “C” of National Trade Complex of the CNE there was performing a Russian ethnic ensemble.  After having watched the performance with interest the representatives of the media and guests of the festivity were transported by the special courtesy train to the «Liberty Grand» where the essential presentation took place.
            Vice-President of National Ethnic Press and Media Council Mr. Arnold Auguste spoke in detail on the activities of the Council and invited to the rostrum the minister of Multiculturalism Hon. Jean Augustine.  She spoke on uniqueness of Canada, future plans and thanked the workers of ethnic media for their efforts.  After her spoke the Deputy Mayor and members of Municipal Council, deputies of Federal and Provincial Parliaments, Minister of Citizenship of Ontario Hon. Carl DeFaria, President of CNE Mrs. Debbie Woodman, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario Hon. Huber Genest, representatives of Heritage Canada and others.  There were many cordial words addressed to multiculturalism and the representatives of the ethnic media.
            The event was adjourned by a presentation of awards to twenty three representatives of the media by the minister DeFaria, while the President and VP of Council, in their turn, presented special Certificates to the ministers Hon. DeFaria and Hon. Augusine.
            It gives great pleasure to appreciate the hard work of the organizers of the Week;  in particular, that of President of National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Mr. Thomas Saras and, among the technical personnel, Ms. Paula Ellis, who kindly delivered the reporters of The Yonge Street Review to the location of the final event.
                                                      Michael Yakobi, Press-Group of YSR

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