Harper Government Invests in Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association

SASKATOON, July 13, 2012 - An investment from the Government of Canada will allow the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association (SWNA) to improve its capacity to compete in the creative economy. This was announced today by Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon–Wanuskewin), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. 

The SWNA is a community newspaper association representing 86 publications with a combined readership of more than 500,000. These publications are of particular importance to Saskatchewan’s rural communities, as they reflect life in the communities they serve. The funding announced will enable the Association to organize several professional workshops to provide valuable training and networking opportunities within the industry. 

“Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations like the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association,” said Minister Moore. “By supporting these groups, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support our arts, culture, and heritage.” 

“The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association connects Canadians to the province’s way of life,” said Mr. Vellacott. “This investment will allow members of the Association to improve their capacity to compete in an increasingly digital media environment and explore new opportunities in the periodical industry.” 

“This support plays an important role in helping strengthen the knowledge, capacity, and recognition of Saskatchewan’s community newspapers,” said Greg Duncan, the Association’s Director of Government Relations. “The Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association is extremely pleased to be a partner and a recipient in this investment. The SWNA thanks the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Periodical Fund, and the Government of Canada.” 

The Government of Canada is providing funding of $29,000 through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides financial assistance to Canadian print magazines, non-daily newspapers, and digital periodicals to enable them to overcome market disadvantages and continue to provide Canadian readers with the content they choose to read.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca