Unscheduled ‘debate’ at CNE
Unscheduled ‘debate’ at CNE
Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis (left) in a heated argument with Chris Alexander, a representative of Immigration Minister Jason Kenney at the Ethnic Press Council pavillion opening. Photo: HG
TORONTO — At the opening of the pavillion of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada at the CNE on Sunday, Aug. 19, a heated public argument took place between an MP and a representative of a federal Cabinet Minister. The Philippine Reporter was there to witness it.
Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis spoke onstage of CNE Hall B and mentioned that the Conservative government would not print copies of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Chris Alexander, a representative of Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and who spoke earlier, heckled from the audience: “It’s not true! It’s not true!”
Karygiannis retorted from the stage: “Whoever said that should read the letter of the Minister (of Heritage).”
When he got down from the stage, he confronted Alexander and challenged him: “Call me liar.” Alexander replied but in the heat of the argument, it was not clear how he replied. He later left the scene.
The two were later seen in the reception of the event talking with separate groups of ethnic media.
RIBBON-cutting opening of Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada Pavillion at CNE. From left: Thomas Saras (president); Brian Ashton, CNE President; MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan and MP Jim Karygiannis.
WOMEN publishers, editors, authors of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) with Rathika Sitsabaiesan, MP; at the CNE. From left: Isa Melo, Editor-in-Chief of Etc. & Tal Magazine; Viara Dimitrova, Editor, Bulgarian Flame; Susana Donan, Publisher, El Centroamericano; Mila Astorga-Garcia, Managing Editor, The Philippine Reporter; Rathika Sitsabaiesan; Rosemary Sadlier, author and president of the Ontario Black History Society; and Rahkee, Publisher/Director of The Asian Connections.
Brian Ashton, CNE president
Rathika Sitsabaiesan, MP Scarborough-Rouge River
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