On October 27, 2016, the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters (CACR) held a grand unveiling ceremony at the Splendid China Mall in Toronto, officially announcing its establishment. Jennifer Zhu, the president of CACR, stated that the association aims to unite Chinese media workers in Canada, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese media and journalists, promote improvements and innovations in Chinese media, engage in news exchange and cooperation with China and internationally, and strive for the prosperity and development of the Chinese media industry.
Jennifer Zhu outlined the association’s main future activities:
Organizing Canadian Chinese media to participate in various interview activities in China, with some activities already authorized by relevant domestic departments.
Arranging for colleagues from friendly cooperative associations such as the China Industry Newspaper Association to visit Canada for interviews and exchanges.
Regularly holding training activities for members in Canada, enhancing news gathering and editing skills, improving member expertise, conducting evaluations and commendations of excellent news works, outstanding Chinese media workers, and advanced collectives, and providing services and coordination for Chinese media reporters during major events and activities.
Consuls Liu Yuanyuan and Ye Yi from the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto attended the unveiling ceremony. In her speech, Consul Liu Yuanyuan noted that the recent mutual visits of the leaders of China and Canada within a month led to a series of important agreements to further develop comprehensive strategic relations between the two countries, presenting new development opportunities for China-Canada relations. Against this backdrop, the establishment of the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters holds great potential in spreading Chinese culture, building a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Canada, and deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Toronto City Councillor Jim Karygiannis expressed his congratulations, stating that Canada is the most diverse country in the world and one of the most democratic and harmonious nations. This diversity and harmony owe much to the role of the media, which significantly contributes to the promotion of democratic society.
Richmond Hill City Councillor Godwin Chan emphasized that the thriving and diverse Chinese media in Canada not only provides information and spreads culture but also enhances mutual understanding among different ethnic groups and promotes friendly cooperation between Canada and China, playing an irreplaceable role as a bridge.
Markham City Councillor Alan Ho said, “Canada is one of the best countries to live in globally, with a large Chinese population. Chinese has become the third most spoken language after English and French. The development and growth of Chinese media in Canada have made positive contributions to spreading Chinese culture and civilization, providing information services to overseas Chinese in Canada, and helping them integrate into local society.”
Canadian Senator Victor Oh, Member of Parliament Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament and Opposition Leader Rona Ambrose, and Member of Parliament Bob Saroya sent congratulatory letters on behalf of the three levels of the Canadian government, expressing their heartfelt congratulations on the establishment of the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters. Community leaders such as Shui Shousong, President of the Canadian Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, Wang Haicheng, President of the Canada-China Business Council, and Zhong Xinsheng, Co-Chair of the Federation of Chinese Canadian Organizations, attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations.
Vice President of the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters, Zhang Jian, President of the “Overseas Chinese News” in Montreal, Quebec, and Meng Zhirong, Chief Editor of the “Love of the Atlantic” website and magazine in New Brunswick, specially traveled to Toronto to attend the unveiling ceremony. President Zhang stated that Canada has a large Chinese population, with Toronto being the center of Chinese media. The establishment of the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters can strengthen unity and cooperation among peers and work towards the further development of China-Canada relations.
It is reported that the Canadian Association of Chinese Reporters is a non-profit organization registered with the Canadian federal government, consisting of both group and individual members, including legally established Chinese media and Chinese media reporters in Canada. Currently, the association has nearly 30 group members from nine provinces across Canada, spanning from coast to coast, and more than 30 individual members.
First Board of Directors:
- President: Jennifer Zhu, Vice President of Canada Chinese International TV
- Executive Vice President: Chang Jianguo, Executive Editor-in-Chief of People’s Daily Overseas Edition, Canada Channel
- Vice President: Zhang Jian, President of “Overseas Chinese News” in Montreal, Quebec
- Vice President: Ma Zaixin, “Great Chinese Business News” and Huayu TV in Vancouver, BC
- Vice President: Fred Liu, CTV Calgary & OMNI TV Alberta in Calgary, Alberta
- Vice President: Meng Zhirong, Editor-in-Chief of “Love of the Atlantic” website and magazine in Saint John, New Brunswick
- Vice President: Luo Su, President of “Canada China International Business News” on Prince Edward Island
- Vice President: Zhang Zhigang, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “Health Times” in Ottawa
- Vice President: Jia Jianjun, President of “Maple Bridge Network” in Toronto
- Vice President: Wang Ruijun, Vice President of Global Chinese Television Network Canada
- Secretary-General: Lv Tong, Editor-in-Chief of “North American Good Life” in Toronto
- Executive Director: Tang Ming, President of Canada Chinese Television
4o
