Honouring Tradition and Diversity: The Enduring Legacy of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada at the CNE
Leadership, Solidarity, and Four Decades of Advocacy for Ethnic Media
For over forty years, the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) has stood at the heart of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), a testament to both the vibrancy of ethnic media and the enduring significance of cultural representation in Canadian society. At the helm of this remarkable journey has been President Thomas Saras, whose visionary leadership has guided the Council’s board with unwavering resolve and commitment. Saras’s stewardship has been instrumental in championing the cause of the ethnic media industry, ensuring its ongoing presence and impact on the national stage.
Held in Toronto every summer since 1879, the Exhibition has become a mainstay in the cultural life of the nation, drawing millions of visitors to its storied grounds.
Few annual events capture the vibrancy and inclusivity of Canadian society quite like the CNE. Held in Toronto every summer since 1879, the Exhibition has become a mainstay in the cultural life of the nation, drawing millions of visitors to its storied grounds. For generations, families, friends, and communities have gathered to revel in its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and tradition. Yet, beneath the dazzling lights of midway rides and the scent of carnival treats, the CNE has also served as a powerful stage for organizations dedicated to fostering Canadian identity, social cohesion, and the celebration of diversity.
Among these, the NEPMCC stands out as a beacon of advocacy and unity. For almost four decades, the organization—under the steadfast leadership of Thomas Saras—has maintained a distinct, annual presence at the CNE, championing the cause of ethnic media and demonstrating unwavering solidarity with journalists, media professionals, and the communities they serve.
NEPMCC booth at the CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition: A Tradition Rooted in Community
The CNE is far more than an amusement fair; it is a tapestry woven with the threads of Canada’s multicultural heritage. Year after year, it provides a forum for the celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. From agricultural showcases to international pavilions, from culinary adventures to musical performances, the Exhibition reflects the evolving story of Canada itself.
Led by Saras and the NEPMCC board, these organizations amplify voices that might otherwise be unheard, providing platforms for dialogue, understanding, and the affirmation of identity.
Central to this tradition is the belief that representation matters—that the stories told across the exhibition’s many stages and booths help shape the collective Canadian experience. In this context, the presence of ethnic media organizations is not simply desirable; it is essential. Led by Saras and the NEPMCC board, these organizations amplify voices that might otherwise be unheard, providing platforms for dialogue, understanding, and the affirmation of identity.
Thomas Saras President of National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, posing with Maria Voutsinas, Executive Director NEPMCC
The Role of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada
Founded to promote and protect the interests of ethnic media in Canada, the NEPMCC has become a cornerstone of the country’s media landscape. Its mission is twofold: to support the diverse press and media serving Canada’s many cultural communities, and to advocate for the values of inclusivity, freedom of expression, and journalistic excellence.
The Council’s work extends far beyond the confines of traditional journalism. It is a hub for mentorship, training, and networking—a place where new generations of media professionals can learn, grow, and find their voice. Through its events, publications, and outreach initiatives, the NEPMCC, guided by Saras’s tireless efforts, empowers ethnic journalists and media persons to tell the stories that matter to their communities and to the nation as a whole.
Four Decades at the CNE: A Distinctive Booth, a Lasting Impact
One of the most visible manifestations of the NEPMCC’s commitment is its annual booth at the CNE. Every year for nearly forty years, the Council has set up a distinct and welcoming space within the Exhibition grounds, inviting visitors to discover the richness of Canada’s ethnic media sector. The booth is more than a display—it is a meeting place, an information hub, and a platform for celebration, reflection, and advocacy.
Here, journalists, media professionals, and members of countless cultural communities come together.
Here, journalists, media professionals, and members of countless cultural communities come together. They share experiences, exchange ideas, and build connections that transcend borders and backgrounds. The booth is adorned with publications in dozens of languages, highlighting the breadth and depth of Canada’s multicultural press. Information sessions, panel discussions, and informal gatherings allow visitors to engage directly with media persons and learn about the issues that shape their work.
Crucially, the NEPMCC booth stands as a symbol of solidarity—with journalists whose work can be fraught with challenges, with communities whose stories deserve recognition, and with the ideals of free and independent media. Each year, under Saras’s leadership, the Council renews its commitment to supporting those who serve as the voice of Canada’s diversity.
Championing the Cause of Ethnic Media
The ethnic media industry faces unique challenges in the Canadian context. Language barriers, limited resources, and the need for cultural sensitivity all shape the work of ethnic journalists and publishers. Yet, these challenges are met with extraordinary resilience and creativity.
The NEPMCC’s ongoing presence at the CNE reflects its determination to champion this vital sector. By providing a visible platform at a national event, the Council ensures that ethnic media remain at the centre of Canada’s conversation about identity, citizenship, and belonging. It advocates for greater recognition, funding, and support—not only for the press, but for the communities whose stories they tell.
Over the years, the Council has celebrated the achievements of ethnic media persons, highlighting stories of courage, innovation, and service. It has organized awards, workshops, and consultations to foster excellence and collaboration. At the CNE, these efforts are brought into the public eye, reminding all Canadians of the vital role played by ethnic media in maintaining social cohesion and national unity.
Solidarity and Service: The NEPMCC’s Enduring Legacy
Solidarity is at the heart of the NEPMCC’s mission. Through its booth at the CNE, the Council honours the tireless efforts of journalists and media professionals who work to inform, inspire, and empower their communities. It stands shoulder to shoulder with those who face adversity—whether in the form of censorship, discrimination, or economic hardship—and reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of media.
This solidarity extends beyond the walls of the Exhibition. The NEPMCC has forged partnerships with other organizations, government agencies, and community groups to advocate for policies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the media sector. It has provided resources and guidance to help ethnic media adapt to changing technologies and audience needs. Its work is rooted in the conviction that every community’s story matters, and that the media can be a force for good in society.
Serving Communities, Shaping Canada’s Future
For nearly four decades, the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, under the stewardship of President Thomas Saras, has made the CNE a place of belonging for journalists, ethnic media persons, and the communities they serve. Through its distinctive booth and its steadfast advocacy, it has helped to ensure that the voices of Canada’s many cultures are heard, valued, and celebrated.
As Canada continues to evolve, the tradition of the NEPMCC at the CNE remains a powerful reminder of the principles that bind the nation together: diversity, inclusion, and the enduring importance of free and independent media.
As Canada continues to evolve, the tradition of the NEPMCC at the CNE remains a powerful reminder of the principles that bind the nation together: diversity, inclusion, and the enduring importance of free and independent media. The Council’s work affirms that the stories told by ethnic journalists are not only the stories of their communities, but the stories of Canada itself.
The annual gathering at the CNE is more than an exhibition—it is a renewal of commitment, a celebration of achievement, and a testament to the strength of solidarity. Thanks to the unflagging guidance of Thomas Saras, and the collective vision of the NEPMCC board, generations to come will continue to see the cause of ethnic media championed at the CNE, ensuring that the dialogue about Canada’s future is as rich and varied as the country itself.
Neel Nanda is the General Secretary of National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada and President of Heritage Beyond Borders
