PHOTO: Jason Ransom THOMAS SARAS, president of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, presents Prime Minister Stephen Harper with a plaque naming him an honourary Life Chair of the Council.

TORONTO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper highlighted the importance of cultural media in Canadian society at a training seminar organized by the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) at Seneca College’s Markham Campus on November 21.

“We believe strongly that freedom for Canadians goes hand-in-hand with journalistic freedom,” said the prime minister. “Our liberty is strengthened when journalists are free to pursue truth, shine light into dark corners and assist the process of holding governments accountable.”

The prime minister was named Honourary Life Chair of the NEPMCC. The NEPMCC is a non-profit media organization made up of journalists representing editors and publishers of diverse cultural media across Canada.

The organization promotes excellence, understanding and cooperation among its members. The purpose of the seminar was to provide training on best practices in Canadian journalism and skills development for the NEPMCC members.

The Government of Canada provided funding toward the seminar through the Canada Magazine Fund’s Support for Industry program. This program invests in industry-wide or association-based projects that contribute to the long-term viability of the Canadian magazine and periodical industry.

“Our government will continue to collaborate with cultural media and communities in pursuit of a common vision of a stronger, richer sense of Canadian citizenship,” said the prime minister.