Al-Jazeera English Approved; NCCAR Recognized

NCCAR Recognized For Its Role In Helping Bring Al-Jazeera English to Canada

Ottawa, ON, 26 November, 2009 – The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) welcomes the approval of Al-Jazeera English TV by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

NCCAR is highlighted as one of the major groups that influenced this positive decision by the CRTC. NCCAR made a submission in favour of Al-Jazeera English to the CRTC, as reported in “Al-Jazeera Coming to Canada“ today, as well as launching an action call for support of Al-Jazeera’s approval which contributed to the more than 2600 comments received in favour of approval compared to 40 comments in opposition.

“Canadians will now have access to Al-Jazeera’s quality news and discussion services, giving them useful and different perspectives on world events, which are not available on other Canadian or foreign channels found in Canada. That means better informed and engaged citizens,” said Mark Khoury, Vice-President of NCCAR.

“It is also a win for freedom of expression which is essential for a free, pluralistic and democratic society,” added Mr. Khoury. “This means the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds subject only to necessary restriction provided by the law.”

NCCAR believes that Al-Jazeera English will significantly improve Canadians’ understanding of current events as well as economic and social developments in the Arab World. This will help promote better ties and cooperation between Canadians and the people of the Arab World – a goal which NCCAR actively works towards.

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