Calling CanadaÔÇÖs community newspapers the ÔÇÿheart and soulÔÇÖ of villages, towns and cities from coast to coast in Canada, Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps said her ministry and the Canadian Community Newspapers Association must work together to reach rural Canada.
Copps spoke to delegates at the Gathering of the Clans convention in Halifax on July 4. ÔÇ£In urban centres and rural areas alike, community newspapers are the backbone of their communities and play a vital role in connecting Canadians to their roots, their future and each other,ÔÇØ she said.
Copps said the Canadian Heritage is looking to ÔÇÿdo moreÔÇÖ to help community newspapers through the Publications Assistance Program. ÔÇ£We are re-designing the program in an effort to make it more responsive, more flexible and easier to access,ÔÇØ she said. ÔÇ£We need your help in doing this. We want to hear your views and ideas on the program, to ensure that it is as responsive as possible to your needs.ÔÇØ
Copps said her ministry is ÔÇÿcommitted to a working relationshipÔÇÖ with community newspapers to inform citizens of federal programs and services.
For a full copy of CoppsÔÇÖ speech, visit http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca .