News Release

2003-06

The Library and Archives of Canada Congratulates LeDroit on its 90th Anniversary

Ottawa, March 27, 2003 - The Library and Archives of Canada would like to congratulate LeDroit in celebrating its 90th anniversary today.

The events surrounding the publication of LeDroit, first issued on March 27, 1913, have left their mark on the history of French-Canadians in Ontario, making the newspaper the first choice of francophone readers in this area.

In the years preceding the publication of the daily, there was opposition to the French language in Ontario. As a result, in 1911, Regulation 17 prohibited the teaching of French in the province's schools. LeDroit thus became the official voice of Catholic francophones in Ontario, a daily which did not have any political affiliation but which vows to defend their rights and interests.

Ninety years later, this newspaper, which was first published with the slogan "the future belongs to those who fight," can now be proud to be one of the most respected dailies in Canada. LeDroit is also recognized as an important player in the economic and cultural life of the region. Not only does it have close ties to the community, but it also acts as a francophone voice, in word and deed, here and elsewhere.

"The Library and Archives of Canada possesses the largest collection of Canadian newspapers in the world," said Dr. Roch Carrier, National Librarian, "and I am overjoyed that we have the first issue of the newspaper in our priceless collection as well as the prospectus dated January 15, 1913." "On behalf of the Library and Archives of Canada, I would like to thank LeDroit for its services to all Canadians, francophones and francophiles, but especially I wish a long life to a newspaper which has influenced and still influences our lives every day."

The Library and Archives of Canada is a federal cultural institution which acquires, protects and makes accessible Canada's documentary heritage.

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Information:

Pauline Portelance, Media Relations Officer
Library and Archives of Canada
media@lac-bac.gc.ca