Our weekly round-up of stories related to the Canadian magazine industry, with links for further reading/viewing.

Latest developments at Quebecor World

It was another tough week for the Montreal-based printer. On Monday, a spokesperson for parent company Quebecor Inc., suggested that Publications TVA Inc., the company’s mag division, may take some of its business to rival printers. “Publications TVA is assessing the possibility of letting a minority percentage [of its magazines] go to other printing companies, for practical and logistical reasons,” Luc Lavoie said.

The printer also announced the closure of a plant in Magog, Que., costing about 300 employees their jobs. On that same day, Quebecor World said it had signed agreements and renewals that will see 33 new (American) magazines titles added to its Targeted Publications Platform.

The company also announced its $1 U.S. financing deal had been approved by a judge in New York state.

• "Quebecor World may lose parent’s business" [The Globe and Mail]
• "Quebecor World shuts plant, cuts 300 jobs" [Toronto Star]
• "Quebecor World signs new printing contracts" [FOLIO:]
• "Quebecor World gets court OK for $1 billion financing" [Reuters]

LouLou partners with Addition Elle to produce plus-sized clothing line

Addition Elle has unveiled its spring clothing line, which was produced in conjuction with Rogers-owned shopping magazine, LouLou. "The 16 runway-inspired pieces in this one-of-a-kind collection were designed and developed by Addition Elle, using the fashion expertise of LouLou editors," says a press release.

To help promote the new line, LouLou will feature a 14+ fashion supplement in its April issue.

• Press release
• "LouLou partnering with Addition Elle" [Media in Canada]
• "LOULOU applies its brand to a new spring line of plus-sized clothing" [Canadian Magazines]

Lorraine Flyer and Karen Kain bid adieu

Two of Canada's top arts administrators are leaving their posts.

Karen Kain, chair of the Canada Council, is leaving her post to focus on running the National Ballet. "Karen 's accomplishments include securing a major increase in the overall budget of the Canada Council, bringing in a new era of cross-sector co-operation and stewarding the organization through major and positive changes at the administrative level that included hiring a new director in Bob Sirman,"Magazines Canada president Mark Jamison said. "This is a great legacy, one that will serve cultural activity in Canada for many years to come."

Also on her way out is Lorraine Filyer, longtime Officer at the Ontario Arts Council. She's retiring next October. "She has not only represented the interests of magazines in the broader arts mandate of the OAC, but every year shepherded them through a jurying process that resulted in grants to more than 30 titles—many of national importance—totalling (most recently) more than $450,000 a year," writes D.B. Scott on the Canadian Magazines blog.

• "Karen Kain resigns as the head of Canada Council" [Canadian Magazines]
• Lorrain Filyer to retire as literature officer of Ontario Arts council [Canadian Magazines]
• "Two top arts administrators departing their posts..." [The Shoestring]