Canadian Ethnic Media Association

OTTAWA, April 25– Today, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) announced an investment of $2.5 million in a multi-university project including Queen’s University, the Universit du Qubec Montral and the University of Toronto that will explore ethnic politics and the complexities of democracy in multi-ethnic and divided states.

The researchers will build on Canada’s experience in accommodating linguistic and cultural diversity to find solutions for governance of multi-ethnic states around the world.

Queen’s University political studies professor Bruce J. Berman will lead the “Ethnicity and Democratic Governance” project. Collaborators represent no less than seven countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa and disciplines ranging from political science and law to philosophy and anthropology. (more…)

Looking for emerging writers of fiction,

(An announement from Diaspora Dialogues)

Diaspora Dialogues invites submissions from emerging writers of short stories less than 3,000 words in length, plays of not more than 20 minutes for a maximum of 3 actors and/or up to 5 poems, with each poem being no more than 75 lines. (See below for definition of ‘emerging.’)

Deadline has been extended to June 2, 2006, was May 15, so hurry!

The focus of Diaspora Dialogues is on first- and second-generation immigrants to Canada who live in the greater Toronto region. First-generation is defined as those who were born outside the country; second generation as those born in Canada to one or both parents born elsewhere. Submissions from First Nations writers are also welcome. (more…)

CAIR-CAN Settles lawsuits against CFRA RADIO, DAVID HARRIS

(A news release from the Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations — CAIR-CAN)

Ottawa, Canada – CAIR-CAN recently settled a defamation lawsuit against David Harris and CFRA Radio.

In an April 1, 2004, broadcast on CFRA Radio, David Harris, president of Insignis Strategic Research and former Chief of Strategic Planning for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), implied that CAIR-CAN was a terrorist organization. (more…)

Freedom of the Media:How Far Should it Go?

FROM THE MONITORS DESK

By Ace Alvarez

(Guest Column is a regular feature for which we invite contributions from members and non-member writers and journalists. Ace Alvarez isPublisher and Editor, Manila Media Monitor, and an Independent TV Producer, and Secretary on CEMA’s Board of Directdors. This column was first published in his newspaper.)

THE CANADIAN ETHNIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION (formerly the Canadian Ethnic Journalists and Writers Club) had an interesting discussion March 2, 2006 on how far should freedom of the media go.

The topic was brought about by the recent uproar around the world on the publication of editorial cartoons in the Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, last September 30, depicting the Islamic prophet Mohammed, which critics said was culturally insulting and intended to humiliate and marginalize Danish Muslim minority. As controversy grew, some, or all of the cartoons have been reprinted in newspapers in more than 50 other countries, resulting to violent protests, particularly in the Islamic world. Supporters of the cartoons, on the other hand, claim that the publication of the cartoons showed an important issue and their publication were an exercise of the right of free speech. (more…)

Authors Victim of the Pen

An announcement from Neftasia Publishing House in Italy. The French version follows the English one.

The Neftasia Publishing House presents the project Authors Victim of the Pen which has the following editorial features:

Collection:

Authors Victim of the Pen is part of the book series Neftasia specials to grant authors the autonomy fromcompelled editorial lines. (more…)

Ontario Minister of Citizenship & Immigraton Mike Colle says for too long immigration has ‘just happened’

By Ben Viccari

CEMA President

That old bugaboo what Canadian experience do you have? has to be replaced by whats your global experience? when determining immigrants eligibility for a job, says Ontario’s Minister for Citizenship and Culture.

And new sensitivities toward Canadas diversity already displayed by such large companies as RBC Canada and Manulife must spread to all business and industry and other institutions with employment potential for immigrants.

An immigrant from Dubai, for example, with a variety of languages can become a valuable asset to a company doing business in many parts of the world, he said, adding that the Ontario government will continue to challenge businesses and institutions on greater diversity in employment practices. (more…)

By Mike Wooldridge

(Webmaster’s note: Although this was published by the BBC a while back, we thought it would be of interest to our members and readers. Check out the UN links for more information.)

It is, the United Nations Development Programme says, one of the most urgent issues affecting international stability and human development in the 21st century – the claims for recognition by diverse ethnic, religious and linguistic groups.

And it is as important an issue for governments in the rich world as in the poor. (more…)