Adu Raudkivi
Premier Kathleen Wynne and other politicians and members of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada commemorated the World Press Freedom Day recently.
President of the NEPMCC, Mr. Tom Saras however mentioned all of 128 journalists who have been killed in various parts of the world only last year.
Displays of the newspapers and magazines circled the rotunda under the names of the country. Included in the display was Estonian Life.
Politicians attending were Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne, Member of Parliament Rathika Sitsabaiesan, Member of Provincial Parliament Soo Wong, Toronto Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, mayoral candidates Karen Stintz and Olivia Chow, Councillor Michael Thompson and thers.
Premier Wynne, in her speech, honoured the fallen reporters, praised Mr.Tom Saras for his work representing ethnic media, pointing out that we are all immigrants except first nations.
Premier Wynne condemned the hate literature against Sikhs in Brampton.
She said, “Journalists are the bridge between the adopted homeland and the country of origin for so many people, helping newcomers and new Canadians adjust to life here. They give voice to peoples’ stories and experiences and help all of Ontario grow, as one.”
The display will continue all week.