Conservative budget boosts community newspapers

The community press in Canada won significant recognition in the federal budget delivered yesterday in the House of Commons, including $30 million over two years for community newspapers and magazines.

This is not new money, since it effectively replaces the annual $15 million which Canada Post recently announced it would withdraw from the Publications Assistance Program. The money allotted in the new budget will allow the PAP to maintain current funding levels.

The Conservatives also announced they will spend a further $225 million over three years to extend broadband coverage to unserved communities, allowing newspapers to connect with larger audiences online.

The CCNA and CNA applaud these allocations and encourage the Harper government to build upon this in finding other ways to support the newspaper industry.

To view highlights of arts and culture funding in the 2009 budget, visit http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/01/27/160-million-in-arts-funding-2009-budget-results.aspx