Publications Assistance Program / Canada Periodical Fund

In February 2009, Canadian Heritage announced the creation of the Canada Periodical Fund, a new, combined program for newspapers and magazines. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the new program. More information is also available at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pap/.

What is the Publications Assistance Program?

The Publications Assistance Program (PAP) is a postal subsidy program provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage to eligible Canadian magazines and non-daily newspapers mailed in Canada for delivery in Canada. The aim of the program is to ensure Canadians throughout Canada have access to magazines and non-daily newspapers from across the country. In 2008-2009, PAP provided support to over 1130 publications circulating over 200 million copies.

Why is the Publications Assistance Program being replaced?

In 2008, Canadian Heritage held consultations with stakeholders about redesigning its funding programs for the periodical industry, namely, the Publications Assistance Program and the Canada Magazine Fund. The summary of those consultations can be found at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/conslttn/rfppi/index-eng.cfm#.

The consultation process unearthed a number of concerns about the programs and suggestions for change. After reviewing their findings, Canadian Heritage decided to merge the two programs into the Canada Periodical Fund and to redefine the rules governing the program.

What is the Canada Periodical Fund?

The Canada Periodical Fund is a new subsidy program for community newspapers and magazines. The total funding envelope for the new program is $75.5 million, which is the combined total of the two programs that it is replacing. Under the new program there will be new eligibility criteria, funding formulas, and funding opportunities for periodical publishers.

Read the Canadian Heritage announcement about the Canada Periodical Fund at http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/pc-ch/infoCntr/cdm-mc/index-eng.cfm?action=doc&DocIDCd=CJM082334

What is different about the Canada Periodical Fund?

The biggest difference is that the Canada Periodical Fund will not be tied exclusively to mail distribution, due in part to an earlier decision by Canada Post to withdraw its annual $15-million contribution to the program. (In order to maintain the total envelope, the Government of Canada committed to replacing that contribution for two years. Read about the federal government’s 2009 budget announcements and their impact on community newspapers at http://www.communitynews.ca/news/details.asp?contentID=2433.)

This means that copies distributed by other means can be included in the calculation for funding.

If Canada Post is no longer involved, what will happen to my postage bill?

Once the Canada Periodical Fund launches, participants will receive payments directly from the Fund. Participants will see higher postage costs but will be able to use the fund payment to help defray those costs.

When does the new program start?

The Canada Periodical Fund is expected to launch in April 2010, and the application process is expected to begin in early 2010.

Who can apply?

Paid-circulation non-daily newspapers and paid- or non-paid request-circulation magazines will be eligible for the Canada Periodical Fund.

How do I apply?

Canadian Heritage is expected to announce details about application procedures in December 2009. Members should bookmark this page (www.communitynews.ca/pap/) where CCNA will post all the latest developments. CCNA will also distribute these details to members as they become available.

What happens to my PAP funding in the meantime?

Funding under the Publications Assistance Program will remain in place until the launch of the Canada Periodical Fund.

What other types of funding are available?

Canadian Heritage officials are looking at ways to support business innovation through the Canada Periodical Fund. Industry initiatives will also be eligible. More details are expected in early 2010.

For more information, please contact CEO John Hinds at jhinds@ccna.ca.

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