Newspaper closures reach House of Commons

Shockwaves from the abrupt closure of multiple iconic newspapers in Simcoe County reached the House of Commons Monday.

Conservative MP for Barrie-Innisfil and Deputy Opposition Whip, John Brassard, expressed shock, sadness and disappointment over news that the Barrie Examiner and Innisfil Examiner suddenly ceased operations Monday morning. 

“Mr. Speaker, I understand that my time is short right now in advance of Question Period, but it is with profound sadness today that I found out about the closure of the Barrie Examiner and the Innisfil Examiner as a result of cuts to the newspaper industry. The Barrie Examiner has been a stalwart within our community since 1864," said Brassard.

“May I remind the House that newspaper closures do not just affect the newspaper, they affect those who work with those newspapers. I think of people like Bob Bruton, Ian McInroy and award-winning photojournalist Mark Wanzel, who today, have lost their jobs. As well, at the Innisfil Examiner, Miriam King, who I just happened to be with yesterday at the Innisfil Santa Claus Parade."

In a news release, Brassard went on to lament the loss to Simcoe County. 

"There is profound sadness within our community, not just for the focus on community news and events, and the people impacted by this, but these are people who are directly involved in our community every day not just reporting the news, but supporting the many organizations within Barrie-Innisfil”, added MP Brassard. 

Ontario PC Party leader and MPP for Simcoe North Patrick Brown shared his thoughts.

"I'm sad to see local papers in Simcoe County close down. There are many great people impacted with whom I've had the pleasure to work over the years. All of Simcoe County including your countless readers are thinking of you today," Brown said. 

Barrie MPP Ann Hoggarth took to twitter to voice her reaction. 

"I'm very disappointed to learn about the planned closures of the Barrie Examiner, The Innisfil Examiner, The Collingwood Enterprise and the Orillia Packet and times. This is a staggering loss to local news in Simcoe County. My thoughts are with the employees of these publications," tweeted Hoggarth.