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Canada’s local news industry is in deep trouble, especially in small and rural communities like those in Alberta. In remote areas such as Haida Gwaii, B.C., losing a newspaper meant losing connection — no one ran for council, important events went unnoticed, and residents were left in the dark. Stacey Brzostowski, a local woman, stepped up and launched a new paper from her kitchen to help rebuild that connection. Her story is just one example of how people are fighting to keep local news alive.
Across Canada, more than 500 news outlets have closed since 2008. These closures hit smaller communities the hardest, where local radio and newspapers remain the most trusted sources of information. Many of these closures are due to shrinking ad revenues and the collapse of traditional business models.
Large media corporations have gutted newsrooms, turning once-thriving papers into “ghost papers” with little local content. Social media platforms like Meta have also worsened the situation by blocking Canadian news in response to government regulation, cutting off critical digital engagement and information-sharing for small outlets. This decline has real impacts: people feel less connected, know less about local government, and are less involved in community life.
Despite this, there are signs of hope. Independent newspapers like the Crowsnest Pass Herald in Alberta continue to serve their communities, even after losing major portions of their revenue. New digital outlets like Cabin Radio and The Local are finding success through innovative models. Non-profit journalism is gaining ground in Quebec and could be a promising option for English Canada too.
National programs like Report for America in the U.S. show how philanthropy and partnerships can fund local journalism effectively. In 2025, Google created a $100 million fund for Canadian news, which will support more local journalism through new hires and initiatives, including in under-covered areas like Banff, Alta. However, even with government and tech support, many believe long-term sustainability lies in community-driven ownership and local advertising. Legal actions are now challenging the dominance of big tech companies in online advertising. And through all this, one thing remains clear: strong local news builds strong communities. It keeps people informed, engaged, and connected — and without it, our communities suffer.
