40th Anniversary of LeMONDEDEMONTREAL.com | FULL HISTORY

The newspaper Le Monde, a flagship institution of the Saint-Michel neighborhood, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since its creation in 1983, the newspaper has established itself as an essential source of information for the local community, reflecting the realities and needs of residents while promoting civic engagement.

The newspaper was founded by prominent figures of the neighborhood, including Mr. Gagnant, Mr. Joli-Cœur, and Mr. Durocher, with the goal of providing residents with reliable information about their environment. From its modest beginnings, the newspaper has gone through several decades marked by changes in leadership and significant financial challenges.

According to Alexis François, the current director of the newspaper, and Solange Allen, outgoing president, the continuity and resilience of the newspaper rely on unwavering commitment and collective effort. “It is thanks to Ms. Allen that we are still here. She has been my mentor, and her expertise in accounting and management was crucial for the survival of the newspaper,” emphasizes Mr. François.

The newspaper has faced particularly difficult periods, notably when it lacked office space and funding. Makeshift offices at council members’ homes and volunteer support allowed operations to continue. “We had to find solutions for every financial problem, and Paul’s involvement, first as treasurer and then as director, was essential,” adds Ms. Allen.

Despite these obstacles, the newspaper has managed to expand its coverage area. Initially focused on Saint-Michel, it now covers the central and northern parts of Montreal. With a distribution reaching 10,000 copies, Le Monde stands out for its social and educational role, involving youth and citizens in all stages of production. Partnerships with the group Jeunesse en action and local educational institutions, such as Cégep de Rosemont, allow young people to engage in and learn journalistic and community practices.

The digitization of the newspaper since 2013 also marked a turning point, with an active website providing wider access to information. “We want the newspaper to be visible and accessible, not only on paper but also online, in order to reach all people in need on the island of Montreal,” explains Mr. François.

The newspaper is also recognized for its mission of solidarity: providing reliable information to vulnerable populations, promoting community engagement, and supporting local initiatives. This approach has allowed the newspaper to stand out amid the closure of many other community media outlets.

Volunteers remain at the heart of this success. Their dedication, from writing to distributing the newspapers, illustrates the importance of collective work and community service. Vladimir Dalva, aka Capoa, recalls the first distributions with Mr. François: “We would get up very early to deliver the newspaper, sometimes in difficult neighborhoods, but the satisfaction of seeing the newspaper in residents’ hands made all the effort worthwhile.”

On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, Le Monde highlights the contributions of all who have shaped its journey, from its founders to today’s young volunteers. The newspaper remains true to its mission: to inform, support, and strengthen community bonds, serving as a tool of cohesion and inclusion for the citizens of Montreal.