Statement of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada

Statement of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada

The National Ethnic Media Council of Canada (NEMPCC) is an organization whose members are journalists and publishers creating Canadian ethnic press, TV and radio media which serve dozens of communities across Canada with roots in all the continents. We work together, share ideas and respect each other, finding our diversity to be our asset.

As NEMPCC members, we are deeply concerned about the wars and conflicts in the world, most recently in Israel and Gaza, and it pains us to see the loss of life and tragedies they cause. However, as citizens of our unique country Canada – the multicultural and multiethnic mosaic, we are also deeply concerned about the incidents of violence where our fellow Canadians turn against each other just because of their respective ethnic backgrounds.

We appeal to all Canadians to remember that this country is a safe haven for victims of numerous world conflicts and that we all together constitute and build this unique society where people from over 200 ethnic groups live in peace, dignity and respect for each other and our diversity, despite our differences. Let us not destroy this harmony and continue to respect our Canadian values. Let us concentrate on helping those in need wherever they are and not let ourselves succumb to violence and aggression.

We appeal to our fellow Canadians to keep in mind that we should not let wars and conflicts elsewhere damage our social relationships here, in our safe Canada, where we are all sisters and brothers living by the values we pledged to respect when we took the oath of citizenship to become Canadians.