The outline of the new Canada Periodical Fund announced today is being applauded by Magazines Canada, which, along with other industry associations and publishers, spent a great deal of time and energy lobbying the government on the new program last year.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates a strong commitment to a vibrant Canadian magazine sector,” said Mark Jamison, CEO of Magazines Canada in a release. “This is good news for readers of Canadian publications, for the creative community and for the publishing sector. The new program will provide greater flexibility to publishers, providing more options in making magazines accessible to Canadian readers,” said Jamison. “It addresses the changes taking place in the publishing sector and will be more relevant in today’s environment.”

As the program development moves into a consultation process, Jamison hinted that ensuring small magazines receive funding will be high on the association's agenda.

“Magazines have a variety of challenges in the marketplace so a ‘one size fits all’ approach will not work,” he said. “Small magazines and arts and literary publications have received targeted investment in past programs and we will want to ensure that these classes of periodicals continue to benefit from an effective investment.”