Mohammed Tajdolati chaired the virtual monthly meeting and declared the meeting open. Hon Giodarno Bassilo moved a motion to approve the agenda. Roberto Hausman seconded it. The motion was carried unanimously.
Roberto Hausman moved a motion to approve the minutes of the previous monthly meeting and Yuri Natchetoi seconded it. Minutes of the previous monthly meeting were approved unanimously.
President’s Report/Discussions:
The president also encouraged all the members to apply for an ID or Media Pass of the organization. There are so many benefits; the president said that it is to one’s advantage to have it.
Presentation by Hon Paul Calendra- MPP Markham-Stoufville
The Chair introduced the Honorable Speaker to the meeting.
Paul Calandra is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham-Stouffville. Before being elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2018, Paul was a Federal Member of Parliament, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2011. As a member of the Ontario Legislature, Paul serves as Government House Leader. Before entering public service, Paul was a small business owner and insurance broker. Paul is a community advocate in Markham-Stouffville. He often highlights the sacrifices others make in building our community, including honouring local veterans and community volunteers.
Paul Calendra highlighted on the achievements of the Ontario government under the leadership of Doug ford during the unprecedented difficult time of pandemic. He mentioned the contributions from immigrants towards Ontario economy through their hard work. He mentioned Ontario Government is investing in education and skills training programs to make sure today’s students, and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers, have the skills they need to succeed in a highly competitive global economy. He mentioned that Ontario Government under Doug Ford has plans in place for building a modern, connected, and sustainable patient-centred health care system — investing now to end hallway healthcare, focus on mental health and make sure the very best services are in place for future generations.
He opened the floor for discussions and answered all questions candidly.
Margaret Bonikowska, Rosemary Sadlier, Liisa Qureshi, Mila Garcia, Manan Gupta and others participated in the discussions and asked pertinent questions to the speaker.
Presentation by Hon. Patrick Brown- Mayor of Brampton, Leadership Candidate for Conservative Party of Canada
The chair introduced the Honourable speaker to the meeting
Patrick Brown has served as the 51st and current mayor of Brampton since 2018. Entering politics when he won a seat on the Barrie City Council in 2000, Brown later joined the Conservative Party and became a member of Parliament (MP) in 2006. He would represent Barrie in the House of Commons until 2015, when he was elected as leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party and resigned his seat in Parliament. Brown was subsequently elected to represent Simcoe North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and became the leader of the Opposition Mayor Brown is a proven fighter for Canadians. Mayor Brown is a strong fiscal Conservative who knows how to deliver.
Hon. Brown highlighted his achievements in serving as the Mayor of Brampton. He expressed his opinions on how he would make Canada more secure and conducive to better economic growth. He shared his visions with the members of NEPMCC and answered all questions candidly.
Roberto Hausman, Margaret Bonikowska, Manan Gupta, Zuhair A, Arif Ahmed, George Guzmas, and others participated in the discussions and asked pertinent questions.
New Business/Discussions
Roberto Hausman introduced the idea of a group picnic for the members of NEPMCC. Many members expressed their opinions on this made some suggestions on the venue and probable dates.
President Saras hoped that the restrictions will be lifted soon so that members can begin meeting in person at City Hall again. Till Public Health restrictions are in place NEPMCC will continue to stream the meetings live over zoom for the members across Canada.
Maria Saras Voutsinas informed that the office of NEPMCC has K95 masks and rapid test kits. Members interested in getting the masks can contact the office of NEPMCC. She informed on the Bill C-11 which amends the broadcasting act. She will be meeting with the industry partners and other stakeholders to make some suggestions and recommendations to the Federal Government.
Maria Saras -Voutsinas updated on the various steps taken by NEPMCC to further the cause of the members. She mentioned that NEPMCC is working with industry partners to bring free newspapers under the ambit of Aid to Publishers this year.
Mr. Saras also expressed his hope that we will be able to host an Educational Seminar in 2022.
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Adjournment:
Roberto Hausman moved a motion to adjourn the meeting and Yuri Natchetoi seconded it. The motion was carried. The Chair Dr. Tajdolati adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM. The next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, May 09, 2022, via Zoom.
The above notes from the meeting of April 11, 2022, were prepared by Secretary General and Senior VP of the NEPMCC, Neel Nanda.
