The following is a recent editorial published in the Canada Extra, a free newspaper targeting the West Indian community.
IN OUR last issue, under an editorial titled "Investing in Canada Not easy for some", we outlined the problems that we were facing regarding our introduction of Canada Extra to the Canadian newspaper marketplace.
You may recall that this newspaper, Canada Extra, is published by The Gleaner Company (N.A.) Inc., a company registered in, and publishing newspapers in, Ontario for more than a decade. However, because The Gleaner Company (N.A.) Inc. is owned by a Jamaican company, The Gleaner Company Ltd., our ability to continue publishing Canada Extra rests with the policies of the Canadian Government regarding foreign ownership of Canadian media, and the discretion of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
We first wish to thank all of our readers who responded to us on this matter. Many people called us, first to congratulate us on the publication of what they generally considered to be an excellent newspaper, and then to tell us what they thought of the laws that may prevent us from publishing. Without exception our readers felt that our paper was an important addition to the Black Canadian community and that we should not be prevented from publishing. Many offered to help us, offering suggestions as to our next steps, or offering to make representations on our behalf. Once again we thank all of our readers who took the time to share their thoughts with us.
Our discussions with Heritage Canada are continuing and we remain optimistic about the eventual outcome. As stated in our last issue we are firm supporters of the principles of free trade and of the freedom of the press. We believe both to be a vital part of any thriving democratic economy, and are certain that generally, the citizens of Canada also share this view.
We know that the citizens of Jamaica do, since there is nothing to prevent a Canadian from starting (or purchasing) a newspaper in Jamaica. We also know that the citizens of the United States and the United Kingdom share this view as they have allowed other subsidiaries of our parent company to publish newspapers in New York City and in London, England. We stand on these principles and continue to work to satisfy the Canadian Government that we should be allowed to continue publishing Canada Extra.
We welcome the continued support of our readers; please continue to share your thoughts with us.
