Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held on April 10, 2017, at the Council Chambers City Hall.Present: Thomas S. Saras
Agenda
Welcome Remarks by the Chair:Dr. Tajdolati chaired the meeting and declared the meeting open. Suleiman Guven moved a motion to approve the agenda. Isa Melo seconded it. The motion was carried. .
Minutes of the previous meeting:Pooyan Tabatei moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting Suleiman Guven seconded it. The motion was carried.President’s Report/Discussions:
Presentation by Councillor Jim Karygiannis The Hon. Jim Karygiannis, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt, in his address to NEPMCC spoke about the over- heated housing market in Southern Ontario, specifically in GTA and is requesting that Premier Kathleen Wynne and Greater Toronto Area mayors recognize the urgency on imposing a foreign home buyers tax. “The average sales price of a GTA home increased a whopping 33 percent year to year from March 2016 to March 2017. This rapid escalation in housing prices is dangerous for individuals and families struggling to own home. It is not limited to Toronto; Housing prices across southern Ontario have increased at least 20 to 30 percent in the same time period, including in cities such as Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Barrie,” said Councillor Karygiannis. “In October of last year, I commissioned a poll by Mainstreet Research which showed 71 % of decided respondents in the City of Toronto favoured a tax on foreign home buyers. The people have spoken clearly and they want action from their government,” said Karygiannis. Presentation By Senior City Staff City of Toronto on Toronto Newcomers Day:Members were cordially invited to attend and participate at the annual Toronto Newcomer’s Day on May 15 at Nathan Phillip Square. Welcoming and Celebrating Newcomers. The attractions include official l welcome by Mayor Tory, Family Fun &, Citizenship Ceremony Information Fair, City Hall Tours, Newcomer Marketplace Food Trucks and others. Members were handed out flyers and encouraged to cover this event in their respective publications
Presentation by Jeffrey Kerr author of Barrier Free Real Estate Achieving Freedom at HomeThe Chair Dr.Tajdolati invited the next speaker to make his presentation.He made a brief presentation on his book “Barrier Free Real Estate Achieving Freedom at Home to the members and answered questions raised by members. An accessible home is a home where anyone with mobility challenges - for example a child in a wheelchair, an adult with vision problems or a senior with a walker - can live comfortably and safely. Copies of his book were distributed to all members and members were encouraged to learn more about barrier free real estate. Presentation by Hon. Michael Coteau – Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister responsible for Anti-RacismDr. Tajdolati and Maria Saras Voutsinas introduced the Hon. Minister to the council. Hon. Michael Coteau thanked the council for the introduction and began by giving information on his childhood background. Prior to entering the provincial government, Michael was elected as a school board trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2003, 2006 and 2010. As a trustee, Michael advocated for student nutrition, community use of space and the use of educational technology. He initiated the 'Community Use of Schools' motion that drastically cut user fees and made schools more accessible to groups that offer programs for children. He helped introduce nutritional changes in schools that supported healthy food programs and increased awareness of student hunger. Dr. Tajdolati, Jonathan Annobil, Mereck Goodyn, President Thomas Saras, Rosemary Sadlier, Pooyan Tabatei asked a wide variety of questions on a number of topic such as ‘’Ontario’s anti-racism strategy”, “role of ethnic media”, systematic barriers etc. The Honourable Minister candidly answered all questions. Presentation by Soo Wong MPP Scarborough-AgincourtMaria Saras Voutsinas introduced MPP Soo Wong to the council. Following are the highlights of New OSAP: Private Member’s Bill 79: Presentation by Jessica Mohabir-aspiring journalistThe chair introduced Jessica Mohabir and invited her to make her remarks.Following are the excerpts of her bio and her presentation “My name is Jessica Mohabir, sixteen years of age, currently attending Castlebrooke Secondary School for my eleventh year of school. I have always wanted to pursue a career in writing because it has always peaked my interest. Starting from my sixth-grade graduation when I was given the literacy award, I knew I found my passion. In my spare time, I enjoy writing short stories and poetry. I have had the honour of publishing one particular poem featured in Polar Expressions Publishing's These Eyes. Transitioning to high school, I found that there was minimal space for creative, literary work and took it upon myself to create our school’s creative writing club where I act as the executive and well as a journalist in our school’s newspaper: “The Castlebrooke Chronical.” Aside from writing, I do enjoy reading and editing others’ work when needed. I am the one my friends come to when they need advice on how to enhance their writing and structure. In the future, I plan to study journalism and allow that to be my first step to becoming a journalist as well as publish a novel or compiled collection of my work. In the future, I want to be able to appeal to an audience using my creative mindset and make an impact on the world.” The Chair thanked the speaker and wished her support and success in her future endeavours. Presentation by Tony Song-Yi Jing Association of CanadaTony Song made a brief presentation on Yi Jing and how it can be and used in life, according to good and humane, so that physical and mental health, happiness, family happiness, social harmony, and ultimately achieve the purpose of world peace. He informed that classes are free and members interested in attending the classes can register free of cost.A moment of silence for member who passed away:Ahmed Shah Hotaki informed the council of the sad demise of Mr. Sultan Ali Shunbuli who was a member of NEPMCC. To this Srimal Abeyawardene suggested members stand up and observe a minute of silence for the departed soul. Ricky Castellvi seconded and all the members unanimously observed a minute of silence. New Members/ New Business:Ketan Raul – web editor – The Weekly Emerging Times and Bengalworld.com.Adjournment: Jonathan Annobil moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and Srimal Abeyawardene seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair, Dr. Tajdolati, adjourned the meeting at 9 pm. The next monthly meeting would take place on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the City Hall, committee room N#2.
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