INTRODUCTION
OMNI is Canada’s only multilingual and multicultural television broadcaster, offering a wide range of ethnocultural and third-language programming to the country’s diverse communities.
OMNI is available in more than 10 million households across Canada through its five local over-the-air television stations in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto (OMNI.1 and OMNI.2) and its national speciality channel – OMNI Regional, which is comprised of four regional channels and is offered as part of all digital basic television packages throughout the country. In Quebec, OMNI Regional has partnered with independent ethnic broadcaster, ICI Television, to offer French-language local programming to the province’s ethnic communities. OMNI offers a wide range of locally produced and acquired programming, including daily national news and current affairs programming in a variety of third-languages and popular entertainment programming from around the world.
In Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2019-172, the CRTC approved the application by Rogers Sports & Media Inc. for a broadcasting licence to operate a national, multilingual, multi-ethnic discretionary service to be known as OMNI Regional with mandatory distribution on the digital basic service. As part of that decision, OMNI continues to be required to have Advisory Councils for each regional feed (i.e., Pacific, Prairies, East, and Quebec) with representation from all regions served by the feed. In addition, OMNI is required to file an annual report to the CRTC following the end of each broadcast year on the activities and accomplishments of these Advisory Councils.
MANDATE
The Mandate of the Advisory Councils will be focused on three core areas of OMNI’s operations – Programming, Community Outreach and Scholarship Distribution.
COUNCIL
MEMBERS
Four (4) Advisory Councils will be established representing each region served by OMNI: Pacific, Prairies, East, and Quebec. The OMNI Pacific Advisory Council will be comprised of representatives from British Columbia. The OMNI Prairies Advisory Council will be comprised of representatives from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The OMNI East Advisory Council will be comprised of representatives from Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. The OMNI Quebec Advisory Council will be comprised of representatives from Quebec.
Each Advisory Council will be comprised of at least four (4) Members. Each Council will consist of Members representing the various ethnocultural communities within OMNI’s broad service mandate and will also take into consideration demographic and gender balance as well as a diversity of skill sets and experience. Members are appointed for two-year terms with eligibility for renewal(s).
There will be one (1) Chair for each of the four (4) Advisory Councils. The first Chair of the Advisory Council for each region will be selected by OMNI from the Members of the respective Advisory Councils. All subsequent Chairs will be elected by Members of the respective Advisory Councils. The term of the Chair is two years with eligibility for renewal(s).
The Chair will oversee the business of the Advisory Council in fulfilling its Mandate. More specifically, the Chair will participate in the preparation of and approve the agenda for each Advisory Council meeting and preside over each meeting.
Alice Lam
Commercial Property Manager, Certus Developments Inc.
Alice Lam was born in Calgary to Chinese parents who were refugees from Vietnam. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and completed a Master of Science degree in Management at the IESEG School of Management in France. She has worked in New York as a communications and marketing specialist and comes with her a strong background of strategic planning and operations consulting. She currently works in commercial real estate.Alice has been an active volunteer helping immigrant youth and seniors reach their full potential for over fifteen years. She sits on several non-profit boards in Calgary that have a mandate to empower and enrich the lives of immigrant seniors. She also volunteers as an interpreter and facility coordinator for Chinese seniors. Most recently, she founded a volunteer website that helps connect Calgarians to volunteer opportunities called www.vollyapp.com which is built by volunteers, and free to use.
Mushegh Asatryan
Assistant Professor, Arabic and Muslim Cultures, University of Calgary
Mushegh Asatryan is Associate Professor and Director of the Language Research Centre at the University of Calgary. Mushegh grew up in Armenia, and has studied in USA, Egypt, Iran, Hungary, and Armenia. He received his PhD from Yale, following which he taught and conducted research in various institutions in the US, UK, and Canada. Mushegh’s research is about the religious and social history of the Islamic Middle East in the middle ages, and he is the author of one monograph and several peer-reviewed articles on Islamic history. His current projects include a study of early Islamic polemical literature.
Angelina Bakshi
Consultant, P.Eng.
Angelina is a consultant at a multinational IT consulting firm and focuses her area of practice on strategic development, technology adoption, acquisitions and risk management. She holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Alberta. She has certifications in Risk Management (CRM), Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR-P) and is a Fellow in Board Governance (FBG). Angelina’s background as a civil engineer, often working in remote sites across the country and alongside indigenous communities, has allowed her to explore and embrace the vastness of Canada and its diverse people. Angelina is also a classically-trained East Indian dancer, and further trained in classical ballet throughout her formative years. Angelina maintains active commitments in the community through her work serving the Cabinet of the United Way Capital Region as Team Lead of Strategic Partnerships. She is Chair of the Alberta Diabetes Foundation and has previously served on the boards of the Edmonton Heritage Council, Women Building Futures and the Alberta Risk & Insurance Management Society, among several others.
Beryl Bacchus
Executive Director, iHuman Youth Society
For over 15 years, Beryl Bacchus has been a community collaborator, working with organizations that advocate for diversity, equality and accessibility. As the current Executive Director of iHuman Youth society, she advocates for marginalized and vulnerable youth from all walks of life, leading a team of dedicated professionals to help the youth find their way and chart their journey to success. She has held roles with organizations including Executive Director of Global Visions Film Festival, researching, interpreting and integrating information from a wide range of perspectives on trends in socially relevant global issues. Her time as a board member with the Alberta Media Arts Alliance allowed her to advocate, educate, and celebrate the media arts in Alberta and commit to supporting safe and respectful workplaces in an arts sector free of harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence. As the current Chair of the OMNI Television Advisory Council, she continues her passion for bringing compelling stories from around the world to Edmonton and Canada.
Rhonda Rosenberg
Executive Director, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
Rhonda has been working with the multicultural community in Saskatchewan since 1995 in a variety of roles. Prior to joining MCoS, she was the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Association for Multicultural Education. Rhonda has also been Youth Leadership Coordinator at the United Way of Regina and a teacher/counsellor at the Cornwall Alternative School. She has expertise and experience in multiculturalism, anti-racism, education, youth leadership, experiential education, cross-cultural education, non-profit management, and policy governance. She is honoured to be the recipient of the Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation’s Global Citizen Award, and the inaugural Human Rights Champion Award from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Ron Cantiveros
Publisher, Filipino Journal
The Filipino Journal is a family-run community newspaper founded in 1987 by Ron’s parents. The newspaper has had an integral role in chronicling the history, growth and achievements of Filipinos in Winnipeg. In addition to the family newspaper, Ron’s family is also involved in the food services industry. As the Marketing Director for Cantiveros Family Foods and Hot Rod’s Filipino Grill, Ron ensures their service is focused on production of Manitoba-made Filipino food products. Ron is an Advisor for the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, and previously served as a Director for the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, Ron received the Exceptional Small Business Award at the Manitoba Filipino Business Council Gala Awards.
Wendy Au
Former Assistant City Manager, City of Vancouver
Wendy AU, former Assistant City Manager retired in 2018 after working 39 years at City of Vancouver. During her tenure at the City Wendy worked on social development program services that were intergovernmental and interdepartmental in nature. Wendy provided leadership on City of Reconciliation initiatives, Vancouver Commemorates Canada 150+ Projects, External Relations & Protocol, as well as the project on ‘Historical Discrimination against People of Chinese Descent’. Wendy’s previous work included setting up Hastings Training Institute on Diversity. Wendy received the 2012 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the “Non-Profit & Public Service” category as well as the “Connecting the Community Award”. In 2017, Wendy received the Vancouver City Service Award. Wendy is currently a board member on Vancouver Coastal Health.
Queenie Choo
Chief Executive Officer, S.U.C.C.E.S.S
Queenie was appointed as an Honorary Captain (Navy) in 2018 and is affiliated with Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship VANCOUVER (HMCS VANCOUVER). Born in Hong Kong, Queenie immigrated to Canada in 1980 after completing her nursing studies in the UK. Since making Canada her home, Queenie has held many senior leadership positions in various large-scale organizations. Known for her passion for diversity and inclusion, Queenie was appointed as CEO to commission the first culturally based seniors care home in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, she became the Executive Director at Alberta Health Services, responsible for redesigning the home and community health system. In 2012 Queenie moved to BC after being appointed as CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S, one of the largest non-profit social service organizations in Canada. Queenie has a unique ability to blend a rigorous and results-oriented approach with a genuine sensitivity to people. At S.U.C.C.E.S.S., she leads committed teams to develop and provide innovative programs in the areas of employment and language training, business development, newcomer settlement, family and youth counselling, as well as culturally appropriate seniors care and affordable housing. Under Queenie’s leadership, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is an active advocate for multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her experience, Queenie has been appointed to many related committees and councils. These include the Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force Pacific Advisory Council on Diversity; the RCMP Commanding Officer’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Board; the OMNI Pacific Advisory Council; the provincial Minister’s Advisory Forum on Poverty Reduction; the Premier’s Chinese- Canadian Community Advisory Committee. Most recently, Queenie is appointed to the Premier’s Economic Recovery Task Force in BC as well as a board member to the Regional Economic Prosperity of the MetroVancouver Committee. Queenie was a nominee for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Excellence in Nursing Administration Award and the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award. In 2016, she was recognized by BCBusiness as one of BC’s 35 most influential women. In 2018, Queenie was awarded as the Power50 by the Vancouver Magazine. As well, invited by media and various government led roundtables, Queenie has been speaking strongly against racism and hate crime that have no place in our country, supporting our values of diversity and inclusion in Canada.
Neelam Sahota
Chief Executive Officer, DIVERSEcity
Neelam Sahota is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of leadership with a focus on building strategic partnerships. To her role as Chief Executive Officer of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Neelam brings extensive experience that has spanned the corporate sector, provincial government, entrepreneurship and non-profit industries. Neelam is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountant of British Columbia (FCPA, FCGA) and holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership. She is also an alumna of Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Neelam has in-depth experience in board governance having served on numerous boards and advisory councils in various capacities including currently as Chair of Surrey Libraries Board of Trustees, Co-Chair of the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership, Board Director and past Treasurer of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC as well as an Advisory Board Member of Solid State Industries. Her work in the social and economic development of Surrey is based on creating community impact through resource connections, innovative economic drivers and values-based community partnerships. Neelam is a 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction nominee in the non-profit category, a recipient of the 2020 Drishti Award in the Excellence in Community Engagement category, the 2020 Shakti Award for Leadership Excellence and the Surrey Board of Trade’s Women in Business Award, Not-for-profit Leader (2014).
Sonny Wong
President and Creative Director, Hamazaki Wong Marketing Group
Sonny is president and creative director of Hamazaki Wong Marketing Group, an award-winning all cultural marketing-communications agency. Sonny is also co-founder and producer of the LEO AWARDS, BC’s awards program for the film and television industry. As a marketing entrepreneur, he has also led projects in media, live events and exhibitions, sustainability, arts and culture, and social justice. He is a committed community steward with a strong record of engagement and leadership. He serves as a Director on the Boards of Chinese Canadian Museum, KCTS 9/Cascade Public Media (Seattle), Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Foundation of BC, and BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. He is a City of Vancouver appointee to the Chinatown Legacy Stewardship Group. Recently, he founded, led, and produced the national grassroots anti-racism movement, #HealthNotHate. Previously, he was a founding member of the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival serving as its General Manager for a decade. Sonny is a published writer and thought leader having contributed to Adweek, Business in Vancouver, Huffington Post, Medium, and Strategy; he has spoken at many conferences and events. Sonny has been recognized as a Business in Vancouver 40 Under 40 recipient. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC. In his spare time he is an avid road cyclist always trying to ride faster than he did the last time.
Sung Van
Principal and Creative Director, Latitude Vancouver
Sung is the owner and creative director of Latitude Agency, a boutique brand and design agency in Vancouver. He has over 20 years’ experience providing strategy, marketing, communications, creative and design services to public and private sector companies in British Columbia. Sung is also an active volunteer in the Vancouver community, and each year, Sung dedicates Latitude resources to providing pro bono communications services to the charitable sector. Sung has served on the Board of Vancouver Community College and is currently President of the Canada/Korea Business Association, a non-profit organization that works to enhance business and trade relations between Canada and South Korea. Sung has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria and a diploma in Marketing Management from BCIT. He is a member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada and the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Melissa Briones
Barrister and Solicitor, Northam Law
Melissa Briones is an attorney licensed in both the Province of British Columbia and the Philippines. With her CPHR (Chartered Professional in Human Resources) designation, Melissa has accumulated over a decade’s experience in commercial, business, and contract law, serving diverse industries including manufacturing, health, real estate, and broadcast communication. As an in-house counsel for prominent organizations, Melissa has exhibited her skill in developing strategies to minimize legal risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving business efficiencies. At present, she heads Northam Law Corporation in Kitsilano, Vancouver, where her practice spans corporate and commercial law, contracts, real estate, family law, HR, and wills and estates.
Outside her direct legal practice, she has played instrumental roles in associations such as the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview, where she served as Club Secretary; the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, where she was the editor-in-chief; and the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society, where she served as the legal advisor. A dedicated member of several esteemed organizations like the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Soroptimist International of Vancouver, and CPHR BC and Yukon, Melissa consistently enhances her professional networks and contributes to industry dialogues. Furthermore, her leadership as President of the UP Alumni Association in British Columbia and directorial role at the Philippines Canada Trade Council reflect her dedication to nurturing ties between her heritage and her adopted homeland of Canada. Her active involvement in committees and advisory boards, including the RCMP’s Commanding Officer Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee and the Food Processing HR Council, underscores her deep commitment to both her profession and her community.
Jenny Longo
Director, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.
Jenny Longo is Senior Director of Private Brands, culinary Innovation, and Central Kithcen at Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc., a position she has held since 1998. Jenny is a keen volunteer board member to a number of organizations including The Board of Directors of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, (ICCO), The Board of Directors of Food Starter, The Peel Victim Services, Celebrity Chef Challenge, The Canadian Produce Marketing Association, National Convention Sponsorship Committee, as well as a Judge for the 2017 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Award, and for the Retail Council of Canada’s Canadian Grand Prix and Rogers Product of the Year Awards. Jenny is the Chair of the Longo’s Family Council and a member of the Longo’s Senior Management Leadership Team. Jenny was born and raised in the Toronto area and graduated from Humber College with a Business Administration Diploma and has completed the Cornell University Food Executive Program. Jenny is the recipient of Canadian Grocer Star Woman Award in 2012.
Azim Shamshiev
Intercultural Dialogue Institute, Diversity and Social Cohesion.
Azim has over 10 years of experience at the Intercultural Dialogue Institute advancing diversity and social cohesion in the Greater Toronto Area. He implemented several initiatives to build dialogue and partnership between various ethno-cultural and faith communities. He also coordinated the Creative Minds Youth Contest, a collaborative program with local school boards that prepares youth to be empathetic and responsible citizens of their communities.
Throughout his career, Azim took an active role in volunteer committees such as the National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee and the Parliament of the World’s Religions’ Academic Outreach Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Faith and Common Good and the Advisory Board of Heart to Heart. Azim holds a Bachelor’s degree in regional economics from the National University of Uzbekistan, a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Manchester and Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy from Central European University. Azim also has a keen interest in data analytics. He has a data science professional certificate from IBM and postgraduate diploma in data science from the Metro College of Technology.
Resty M. del Rosario
Accountant, CPA, CGA
An accountant with specialty in complex international and domestic tax issues acquired through his experience in public practice and employment at Canada Revenue Agency for 36 years. A team player who is willing to share his views on contentious issues and contribute his effort to achieve established objectives. Passion for helping in different capacities with various community organization providing activities for culture and arts for youth and seniors. Currently, he is the President of Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre, Mississauga Charitable Gaming Association with 46 Charitable Organization members and Vice Chair of Carassauga Festival Inc. and member of the organizing Committee – Philippine Festival Mississauga. Resty was a Director of CGA Ontario and is a recipient of the Chapter and Ontario Distinguished Service Award from CGA Ontario and Queens Jubilee Award from the Government of Canada.
Marcus Kolga
Marketing/New Media
Marcus is a Communications and Brand Strategist, Journalist, Political Activist, and award winning Documentary Filmmaker. In 2009, Marcus’s Liefa Communications, a graphic design and communications firm, developed and designed an extensive multimedia project for the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington D.C. The online museum was selected by Communication Arts Magazine as one of the best websites of 2010. Marcus is also the co-Founder of the Central and Eastern European Council in Canada, a Director of the Estonian Foundation of Canada, Board Member of the Council to Protect Canadians Abroad, and Canadian Advisor to the Inter-Parliamentary Group for Justice for Sergei Magnitsky.
Wilbert Lai
Chartered Professional Accountant
Wilbert is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Ontario. He holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a BCom (Hons) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is on the Advisory Councils of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) and the Support Enhance Access Service (SEAS) Centre, and he is a member of the Crosscurrents Committee of the Richard Charles Lee Canada–Hong Kong Library at the University of Toronto. Previously, Wilbert was a financial controller at Wonder Bread, Continental Can Canada, and Xerox Canada. He also served as vice president of the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC) and its Education Foundation. Wilbert has been a commentator and columnist on business and social issues on OMNI Television and in Sing Tao Daily, Ming Pao Daily News, and World Journal. He has taught at Centennial College and the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. He was the president of the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) from 1998 to 2002 and co-founded the Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards. Since 2002, he has remained on ACCE’s Advisory Council.
B.K. Sethi
Entrepreneur/Marketing Ethnic Foods
B.K. holds an MBA in Marketing from Michigan University. After working with Multinationals in Sales and Marketing for several years, he started his own Food Importing Company. B.K. has also consulted Multinationals including Robin Hood Multifoods, Unilever, Kraft, Heinz, Dairy Board of Canada and others looking for ethnic savvy marketing. He has won numerous awards, including a Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award for his India House brand, Business Excellence Award by Scarborough Chamber of Commerce and others. B K has also consulted multinationals including Robin Hood Multifoods, Unilever, Kraft, Heinz, Dairy Farmers of Canada, SIAL-Canada and several other foreign Trade promotion Consulates looking for Ethnic savvy Marketing. B.K is appointed Sr. Advisor at Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce. He has won several awards including Grand Prix new Ethnic product award for India House brand, Business Excellence award by Scarborough Chamber of Commerce, “Hall of Fame” Inductee -Grocery 2021.
Dr. Lloydetta Quiacoe
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sharing Our Cultures Inc.
Lloydetta Quaicoe is the founder and CEO of Sharing Our Cultures, Incorporated. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of South Australia. Lloydetta is the 2021 winner of the Bell Social Change Award: Regional Impact. She is passionate about engaging school children in intercultural learning and providing opportunities for newcomer youth to develop a sense of place and belonging in Newfoundland and Labrador. As the creator and host of a television program on Rogers tv, Lloydetta highlights the significant contributions of individuals from diverse cultures to the sociocultural and economic development of the province. She is Chair of the OMNI East Advisory Council for Ontario and Atlantic Provinces and Co-Chair of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police NL Black Engagement Steering Committee. In 2019, she was invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and also received Canada’s Volunteer Awards for Community Leader in the Atlantic region. She was awarded the Human Rights Champion Certificate in 2017. Since 1998, she has volunteered in positions of leadership in several community organizations, including as President of the Multicultural Women’s Organization of NL and Co-Founder of the African Canadian Association of NL.
Vinita Savani
Regional President, Atlantic Canada, RBC
As RBC’s Regional President for Atlantic Canada, Vinita leads a team of 1,500 leaders and advisors, who work of over 100 branches and deliver outstanding advice and service to more than 800,000 personal and business clients across NS, NB, NL and PEI. With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a CFA charter holder, Vinita has built her reputation on finding innovative solutions to complex issues, delivering solid financial performance, leading change and developing and empowering her teams. Since joining RBC in 1997, she has held a wide range of roles in Branch Sales, Finance, Canadian Banking Strategy, Group Risk Management, Home Equity Finance, Procurement, and Personal Savings & Investments, with her current appointment taking place in 2021. A believer in giving back to community, Vinita has been involved in numerous volunteer activities with a particular focus on Diversity & Inclusion. She currently sits on the boards of the QEII Foundation and the Halifax Partnership. Vinita is Secretary of the International Women’s Forum Atlantic Chapter, member of the McKay CEO Forum and the Advisory Board for Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada.
Derwin Collantes
Financial Security Advisor and Mutual Funds Representative, Sun Life Financial
Derwin Collantes worked as production manager for two electro-tech companies as a young man. Breaking free from managing a production floor, he has been a financial advisor at Sun Life Financial since 2005. Derwin gained the opportunity to help many families and businesses reach their financial goals. His faith in his Church and his involvement in the Filipino community has led him to be very active in multi-media productions. He helped direct a team in his Church producing Church News, Christian music videos, Christian radio shows and short films. He was production manager for Pinoy Pa Rin and was one of the hosts of Mabuhay Montreal TV which aired on ICI Television. Derwin’s newfound pastime with his wife and his two kids during the quarantine time: Binge watching and cooking.
Mher Karakachian
Educator
Mher Karakachian has been in the TV & theatre production sphere since his days as a Communication Arts student at the Notre Dame University of Beirut. Throughout the Lebanese civil war, he’s been an active presence in Lebanese-Armenian cultural life as a young playwright, director, actor, and poet. He has specialized in film production, graduating from the Cinema Department of Concordia University. From the early 90s, he’s been the producer of the “Armenian Horizon” TV show, running it for more than a decade and a half. Being a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, he has opted for activism dedicated to the propagation of Genocide awareness and prevention. In 2015, as president of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Canada, he has been instrumental in the founding of the “March for Humanity” of Montreal and the Alliance for Genocide Awareness and Remembrance (AGAR), bringing together various communities that had been victim to genocides.
Hector Giraldo
President and CEO, Quebec and Latin America Chamber of Commerce (QUÉtAL)
Hector Giraldo is the President and CEO of the Quebec and Latin America Chamber of Commerce (QUÉtAL). He is a member of the Conseil Emploi Métropole (CEM), of the Boards of Directors of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ), of Habitations Populaires de Parc-Extension (Hapopex) and of Vocatio and a founding member of the consultation table Montreal’s Latin American Heritage Month (MHLA) among others. From 2018 to 2019, he was a member of the “Table on diversity, inclusion and the fight against discrimination” of the City of Montreal, which presented the results of the work of the Table to the Office de consultation publique de Montréal, as part of the public consultations on systemic racism and discrimination. In December 2017, Hector Giraldo and the members of the Coalition for Latin-Quebec Integration submitted to the MIDI (now the MIFI) the brief “Quebecers of Latin American origin: a welcome population, but relegated?” as part of the forum on promoting diversity and combating discrimination. His role within the community is to convey and advise on the issues of integrating Latin American diversity as immigrants and ethnic diversity. Hector believes that socioeconomic development issues can be identified with the help of strategic partners in order to put in place structuring practices within organizations that contribute to the professional integration of immigrants.
Pastor Joseph Junior Clormeus
Vice President, Federation of Haitian Regional Associations of the Diaspora
Pastor Clormeus is an Administrator and Vice-President of Federation of Haitian Regional Associations of the Diaspora (FARHED) and is a Consultant with the International Association of Social Causes, Montreal. In addition, he is also Pastor with Bethsaida, Montreal. Pastor Clormeus holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the School of Infotronics, Port-au-Prince as well University Studies in Law, Faculty of Law and Economics, from St-Louis de Gonzague Institution, Port-au-Prince. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from National School of Public Administration (ENAP), Quebec and is currently working towards completing his PhD in Public Administration (Analysis and Management of Public Policies). Pastor Clormeus is engaged in his community and works with various levels of government, business and community leaders on social issues, vulnerable cases, settlement causes and socio-economic integration of newcomers to the Province.
Tania Alfonsi
Legal Advisor, (Director) Legislation, Institutional Compliance, Canadian Division, Manulife
Tania has nearly 10 years of legal and compliance experience in financial services. She is currently a Legal Advisor in Institutional Compliance where she is primarily responsible for the oversight of legislative and regulatory monitoring of issues relating to the Group Benefit and Group Retirement business. In addition, she supports Group Benefit and Group Retirement strategic transformational initiatives as the compliance and legislative lead, including risk reviews. She is currently working with internal stakeholders on the redesign of the monitoring, communication, analysis, and implementation of legislation to ensure effective support to the Institutional business organization, including coaching and developing resources. Tania was a member of the Executive Committee of the National Congress of Italian Canadians (Quebec), and is a member of the Board of Association of Italian Canadian Jurists of Quebec. Tania holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Concordia University, a Law Degree and Master’s Degree from Université de Sherbrooke.
Council
Meetings
Meetings
The Advisory Councils will meet a minimum of twice annually, every Spring and Fall. A formal agenda will be circulated at least one week in advance of each meeting. Members will be invited to add items of interest to the agenda.
At least one representative of the Rogers management team will attend all Advisory Council meetings.
Attendance at ad hoc committee meetings may be required as the need arises, as well as other functions deemed necessary to fulfil the Mandate of the Advisory Councils.
An honorarium of $600 will be given to each Member for participation (in person or via teleconference) at each Advisory Council meeting.