Québec supports the digital transformation of minority French-language community newspapers

Québec City, June 14, 2018 – On the occasion of the Association de la presse francophone’s national convention, the Government of Québec announced that it would grant this association financial support of $150,000 over three years to facilitate the digital transformation of minority French-language community newspapers, especially for the production of an adaptive and functional digital platform, via the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes’s support program for the Canadian francophonie.

This initiative is aimed at the 18 print newspapers of minority francophone communities in Canada that are members of the Association de la presse francophone. It is part of increasing efforts to support the development of new business models and the digital transformation of French-language community media, which are currently facing several challenges. The initiative of the Association de la presse francophone will ensure the vitality of French-language community media in Canada, increase the quality of information for the benefit of francophone and Acadian communities, and promote the dissemination of this information across the country.

Quotes:

Francophone community media play an essential role in identity construction, vitality and the creation of solidarity between Quebecers and the francophone and Acadian communities. It reflects a Canadian francophonie that is open, living and diverse. I am pleased to support the Association de la presse francophone in the digital transformation of its members, which is directly in line with our vision of cooperation and solidarity, for the benefit of the 10.5 million francophones and francophiles living in this country as well as all Canadians.

– Jean-Marc Fournier, Minister responsible for Canadian Relations and the Canadian Francophonie

A digital presence has become essential for our members to continue to publish high-quality French-language information, from coast to coast. The Association de la presse francophone is pleased to be able to count on the support of the Government of Québec in developing an adaptive and functional digital solution for its member newspapers.

– Francis Sonier, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association de la presse francophone

Key points:

• Founded in 1976, the Association de la presse francophone brings together minority French-language newspapers published in the Canada. It is the only Canada-wide association of its kind. The 18 member newspapers reach more than one million francophones and francophiles per year.
• Through its two financial support programs for Canadian francophonie, i.e. the support program for the Canadian francophonie and the intergovernmental cooperation program, the Government of Québec supports roughly three hundred initiatives every year across Canada, for a total sum of $2.2 million. For more information, visit the SQRC’s website.