40th anniversary of LeMONDEDEMONTREAL.com | COMPLETE HISTORY

Montreal – Forty years of commitment, struggle, and solidarity: that is what the community newspaper Le Monde represents today, a pillar of local information born in 1983 in the Saint-Michel neighborhood. On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the team of the newspaper looked back on its journey marked by financial challenges, tireless volunteer involvement, and a fierce determination to give a voice to those who too often go unheard.

Founded under the name Le Petit Monde de Saint-Michel by local figures such as Mr. Gagnon, Mr. Jolicœur, and Mr. Durocher, the newspaper’s mission was to relay the realities experienced in the neighborhood. Very quickly, it became an essential tool of information and mobilization for the community.

“At that time, we didn’t even have an office. Everything was done in each other’s living rooms. But the will to inform and to bring people together was stronger than anything,” recalls a former board member.

In 1994, the newspaper changed its name to Le Monde, expanding its coverage to other neighborhoods in the north and center of Montreal.

The trajectory of the newspaper has not been without difficulties. Lack of funding, management challenges, and lack of motivation within the board of directors have at times threatened its survival.

In 2018, a major blow occurred: the almost complete cut of subsidies by the Ministry of Culture. “We were reduced to $6,000 for the year. Basically, nothing. But we resisted,” recalls Paul Alexis François, the current director of the newspaper.

It is thanks to the support of committed figures such as Solange Allen, outgoing president and true “cornerstone” of the project, that the newspaper was able to stay afloat. A graduate of HEC Montreal and with experience at the Ministry of Revenue, she brought rigor and strategic vision, enabling the team to stay on course.

For decades, the distribution of the newspaper relied on dedicated volunteers. Some still recall deliveries as early as 5 a.m. in the working-class neighborhoods of Montreal-Nord, Saint-Michel, and Rivière-des-Prairies.

“We were like peddlers, with the car full of newspapers. It was exhausting, but seeing the joy of the residents waiting for their copy made all the sacrifices worthwhile,” testifies long-time volunteer Vladimir Dalva.

Today, distribution relies on a professional team, but the spirit of solidarity remains intact.

More than just a media outlet, Le Monde sees itself as a charitable organization. Its role is to relay citizens’ concerns, highlight local initiatives, and support youth.

Thanks to a partnership with the group Jeunesse en action, young people are trained in writing, digital skills, and website management. “It keeps them away from idleness and gives them a sense of belonging,” emphasizes Alexis François.

The team has also been able to count on the academic support of institutions such as Cégep de Rosemont, where professors and communication students collaborated on the modernization of the newspaper.

In 2013, Le Monde launched its website (lemonddemontreal.com), marking its digital shift. A new version, more modern and inspired by major international dailies, is being prepared to better meet readers’ expectations.

“We want Le Monde to be accessible both in print and digital format, in order to reach all generations,” explains Max Joseph Rosalbère, head of the web division.

With circulation having grown from 4,000 copies to 10,000, Le Monde remains a reference point in the Montreal community media landscape. While securing funding remains an ongoing challenge, the team holds firm to its mission.

“Many newspapers have closed. We are still here. And as long as there is a community to inform, Le Monde will continue,” affirms Alexis François with conviction.

Beyond the celebration, the team insists: the survival of the newspaper depends on citizen participation. Every contribution—whether financial, volunteer work, or simply sharing local information—is a building block added to the foundation.

“We are the voice of the voiceless. But this voice can only resonate if the entire community feeds it,” concludes outgoing president Solange Allen.