Ethnic Media Stand United as NEPMCC Unveils CNE Booth

The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada unveiled its Canadian National Exhibition booth this year with a message that seemed to capture the mood across the country:

“Together for a Strong and United Canada.”

That message echoed throughout the CNE’s Enercare Centre and across the International Pavilion stage Sunday morning. In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, guest speakers, including government officials, took turns speaking about the importance of a united Canada and backing the Canadian government’s decision to “walk away” from trade talks with the U.S. after negotiations broke down late last week.

“We love Canada and we will never let anyone threaten our country,” said Thomas Saras, president and CEO of the NEPMCC.

“We will always remain Canadians,” he added.

The message also highlighted the important role ethnic media play in Canada — not only in nation-building, but also in helping immigrants and newcomers understand Canada’s democratic institutions and way of life.

But there is another side to the story. Government media funding systems can create inequalities that put ethnic and multicultural media at a disadvantage compared with large, established mainstream outlets.

NEPMCC members’ community newspapers are available free of charge across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and the Prairies. Most are available in print, while some are also available online, including Kiswahili publications.

The NEPMCC has seen its membership decline in recent years, particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of consistent government funding. Despite those challenges, the organization says it remains committed to supporting its members and is stronger than ever.

“We started with six members 56 years ago. By 1989, we reached 1,200 members. The COVID pandemic forced 400 publications to shut down, but we help each other,” Saras said.

“The NEPMCC is a brotherhood of ethnic media, and the government is starting to listen and recognize the important role ethnic media plays in Canadian society,” he said.

If you are visiting the Ex this year, drop by the NEPMCC booth to learn more about the organization and its members’ publications. You never know — you might find a newspaper in your own language.

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