A SALUTE TO LESLIE SOLE FOR A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN HIS WORK ON DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM

(Manila Media Monitor Photo)

TORONTO, ONTARIO — Until again Friday evening, June 17, 2011, the last time I saw Leslie Sole — the former President of Rogers Television, was two years ago at a private function. It was good to see him tonight when some 200 members from the diverse media crowd of Metro Toronto from print, radio, television and the new media from various cultural backgrounds feted him for his outstanding contribution to diversity and multiculturalism. In photo, circa 1999, Leslie and I were among those recognized by the journalists’ and writers’ group for our contributions to Canada’s multiculturalism policy. In photo from left are print and broadcast multiculturalism journalism champion Ben Viccari (now deceased); Frank Alvarez — president of radio station CIRV; Leslie Sole — at the time, the Executive Vice President and Station Manager of CFMT (now OMNI television); Wendy Johnson — Reporter of the Oliver Chronicle; Ace Alvarez — Managing Editor of Manila Media Monitor, and later to become the producer of Front Page Philippines TV; and, Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament Gerry Phillips (Scarborough-Agincourt), who is a steadfast supporter of diversity and multiculturalism. CONGRATULATIONS, LESLIE! You helped made Canada a better world to everybody who calls this part of the world “Home”. It is said that there is no other tribute than paid by your own peers in the industry. Also present during the ceremonies, held at the 100-year old castle, Casa Loma here, were politicians from all parties in all three levels of the Canadian government.

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