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News Release2002-12 Canada’s Oldest Newspaper Finds Its New Home at the National Library of CanadaOttawa, June 20, 2002 - At a news conference today at the Nova Scotia Archives in Halifax, Dr. Roch Carrier, National Librarian, on behalf of the Hon. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced that the National Library of Canada has acquired the first issue of the Halifax Gazette, believed to be the first newspaper published in Canada. The newspaper, which recently celebrated its 250th anniversary, had been part of the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston until its recent purchase by the National Library of Canada. "This acquisition will provide Canadians with access to an important slice of our history," declared Minister Copps. "The evolution of printing and newspaper production are closely bound with democratic values we hold dear, whether it be freedom of expression, the circulation of ideas or the expression of diversity." The Halifax Gazette was first issued on March 23, 1752, in a print shop located in the heart of Halifax. It was printed on both sides of a single foolscap sheet and featured news from Britain, Europe, New England and other British colonies. The Gazette paved the way for the Canadian newspaper industry, now consisting of more than 100 daily and 1000 community newspapers. The newspaper still exists, but under the name Nova Scotia Royal Gazette. "The Halifax Gazette laid the foundation for a journalistic tradition in our country which continues to represent our commitment to democracy and freedom of expression," says Dr. Carrier, National Librarian. "The National Library of Canada is proud of its role in collecting and protecting our published heritage and welcomes these national treasures to their new home." Today’s acquisition also includes other issues of the Halifax Gazette, as well as close to 65 issues of other 18th-century Nova Scotia newspapers. Some of these are rare copies of the Halifax Journal (1781-1792), the Nova Scotia Chronicle and Weekly Advertiser (1769-1770) and the Nova Scotia Gazette (1767-1770). The National Library is dedicated to building a world-class national resource enabling Canadians to know their country and themselves through their published heritage and to providing an effective gateway to national and international sources of information. The first issue of the Halifax Gazette will be on display in the Chase Exhibit Room at the Nova Scotia Archives in Halifax until August 26, when it will then return to the newspaper collection at the National Library of Canada. - 30 - Information: |